UP storms past Ateneo, stays unbeaten in UAAP Men’s Basketball

University of the Philippines once again turned up the pressure after halftime, pulling away from Ateneo de Manila University for a 94-75 victory in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

After keeping the Blue Eagles within striking distance for most of the first half, the Fighting Maroons broke the game open in the third quarter, outscoring Ateneo, 20-10, to take a 66-55 advantage heading into the final frame.

It was another second-half surge for UP, which also overcame a tight opening-day battle against the University of Santo Tomas. The Fighting Maroons used a strong third quarter to turn that game around before securing a 92-85 victory.

The first half against Ateneo was just as tightly contested, with the two teams combining for seven deadlocks and seven lead changes before UP began to create separation after the break.

The victory moved the Fighting Maroons to the top of the standings at 2-0, while the Blue Eagles slipped to 1-1 and joined a four-way logjam.

UP will look to remain unbeaten when it faces National University next Saturday at 6 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Ateneo, meanwhile, will try to bounce back earlier that day when it takes on Adamson University at 12 p.m.

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