UAAP: Ateneo boys overpower UPIS for breakthrough win

MANILA — Ateneo de Manila University finally broke through in the UAAP Season 89 High School Boys’ 16-and-under Basketball Tournament on Sunday, clobbering UP Integrated School 100-80 on its homecourt at the Blue Eagle Gym.

The Blue Eagles had lost a close game to their Katipunan rivals in the first round but turned things around in the rematch to end a winless start to the season.

“Breaks went our way,” said Ateneo head coach Jeff Mangubat. “These guys, sila ‘yung gumawa. They worked hard for it. Even in practice yesterday, so it started there, we just translated it into the game.”

Ateneo broke away in the second quarter, capitalizing on UPIS’ shooting woes and attacking the paint for easy baskets to take a comfortable 55-37 lead into halftime.

A 14-3 run led by Jayden Ylen pushed Ateneo’s advantage to 23 points in the third quarter before the Fighting Maroons mounted a final push, trimming the deficit to single digits midway through the fourth.

The Blue Eagles were more composed in the endgame, however, as they limited the Fighting Maroons to just two points in the final five minutes to seal the victory.

“Going into a home game especially against a rival, I really wanted to get this win. So it was really an important game for me,” said Ylen, who delivered an all-around performance with 22 points, seven rebounds, six steals, and five assists.

Chris Llavore came close to a double-double with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Karl Gandionco chipped in 11 points.

The Blue Eagles capitalized on UPIS’ 35 turnovers, scoring 42 points off their opponents’ miscues.

Zandro Lugatiman paced UPIS with a double-double of 24 points and 12 rebounds in the losing effort. Pedro Santos also posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Ateneo will next face University of Santo Tomas in another home game at the Blue Eagle Gym next Saturday, October 24, at 8 a.m.

Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons, who dropped to 2-7 after absorbing their third consecutive loss, will look to bounce back when they face defending champion National University Nazareth School on October 29.

Ateneo 100 – Ylen 22, Nuque-Bautista 22, Llavore 18, Gandionco 11, Fresnido 6, Manlutac 6, Molina 4, Mabigat 4, Saw 2, Shi 2, Beley 2, Dela Cruz 1, Dolera 0.

UPIS 80 – Lugatiman 24, Bautista 22, Santos 11, Labao 10, David 8, Poquiz 3, Sebastian 2, Floirendo 0, Rico 0, Romey 0.

Quarterscores: 21-17, 55-37, 79-62, 100-80.