Eagles ward off distraction, tame Tigers

MANILA, Philippines -- The Ateneo Blue Eagles brushed off the latest off-court distraction as they stopped the UST Growling Tigers, 80-74, Wednesday in the nightcap of the UAAP Season 78 men's basketball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

In the middle of the storm created by their teammate John Apacible's drunken road rage viral video just a week after some quarters of the Ateneo alumni asked for coach Bo Perasol's head, Kiefer Ravena and co. showed great resolve and poise on the hardcourt to improve to 6-4 and grabbed the solo third spot.

Arvin Tolentino and Von Pessumal dropped 20 and 16 points, respectively while Ravena steadied the Eagles' backcourt with 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

The Tigers though came down fighting as they came within three, 53-50, in the third period behind an 18-4 run.

Tolentino, Pessumal and Aaron Black, who led Ateneo's shocktroopers with nine points and six rebounds, restored their double-digit lead, 62-52.

The Tigers fell to second spot with their only second loss in 10 games despite having four players in double figures.

Ed Daquioag fired 19 and nine boards while Marvin Lee added 15 points. Kevin Ferrer and Karim Abdul finished with 13 and 11, respective but shot a combined 3-of-21 from the field.