Philippines’ Manila In the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball competition yesterday at the MOA Arena, reigning champion Ateneo beat winless Santo Tomas 97-77 to set up a rematch with arch rival University of the Philippines this coming weekend.
After a competitive first-half match, the Eagles exploded for 57 points in the second half to take control of the game and even their season at 3-3. The first round of play will conclude on Sunday with an anticipated matchup against the league-leading Maroons.
Ateneo defeated Santo Tomas for the sixth time this season and the 19th time in a row since Season 85. Chris Koon scored 21 points on three triples, which were complemented by six rebounds, five assists, and seven rebounds. Kai Ballungay also hit three treys for 17 points and seven boards.
Mason Amos, with 15 points, and Joseph Obasa, with 17 points and eight rebounds, provided reinforcement.
Later, Far Eastern U (2-4) defeated Adamson (3-3), 49-46, to clinch its second consecutive victory, while National U (5-1) kept its grasp on second place with a 68-49 victory over University of the East (2-4).
