Another Dominant Win for Ateneo: The Big Numbers

Coming into this game, the Ateneo Blue Eagles are already assured of a spot in the PCCL Final 4 after their first two games in the UAAP-NCAA Challenge. On the other hand, the reigning NCAA champions, the Letran Knights were looking to finish on a high note but they need to do it against Angelo Kouame and the rest of the Blue Eagles. While many predicted a blowout win for the Blue Eagles, the Knights had different things in mind as they were able to lead as much as 10 points early on in the first quarter. And to think that this was virtually a no-bearing game for both teams, that was an understatement as Letran and Ateneo were tied at 35-35 after the first half which was a clear sign that the Knights weren't going to fold just like that. 

But once the second half came around, it was all Ateneo as they started building a double-digit lead while holding Letran scoreless during the first 7 minutes of the third quarter and by the time Letran was able to score, the lead that they need to catch up to was 18 points. In that third quarter, Ateneo outscored Letran, 30-4. And that was more than enough as the Blue Eagles were on cruise control the rest of the way en route to a 79-61 win over the fading Letran Knights to sweep their three games of the UAAP-NCAA Challenge. 

What was big about this game was Angelo Kouame only had 5 points although he grabbed 12 rebounds while blocking 2 shots in 24 minutes. SJ Belangel was clearly a marked man after two impressive shooting performances as Letran limited #0 to 10 points on 1 for 5 field goal shooting. Fortunately, they didn't need to score more in this game.

Dwight Ramos-Troy Mallilin Combination

With Kouame and Belangel limited to 5 and 10 points respectively, it doesn't mean that Ateneo will go down even though this is a no-bearing game. Dwight Ramos, the Blue Eagles' prized recruit, showed up and led the way with 16 points for Ateneo. He shot 50% from the field, made 3 of his 8 attempts from deep, and had 7 rebounds, and 3 steals in 22 minutes. And he wasn't alone.

Troy Mallilin came off the bench for Coach Tab Baldwin and scored 16 points on 4 for 5 three-point shooting and 4 for 4 free-throw shooting. He also had 6 rebounds while playing for 16 minutes. Now that's what you call a "next man up mentality". 

Ateneo Won Almost Every Category

Bench points: 45-34

Rebounds: 61-46

Fast break points: 21-8

Points off turnovers: 22-13

Steals: 15-11

Free throw shooting %: 64%-53%

Three-point shooting %: 39%-24%

The statistics above, and the fact that Ateneo scored 30 points in the third quarter alone tells that this Blue Eagles side is primed to repeat not just in the PCCL but perhaps, in the UAAP too.

Photo is from the Facebook page of the PCCL