MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo was in dire need of a stabilizing win amid a shaky start to its title defense bid.
Against the erstwhile unbeaten University of the Philippines in an anticipated finals rematch, the reigning champion got more than it wanted with a thrilling 99-89 overtime win to end the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball first round in flying colors yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Super rookie and Gilas Pilipinas cager Mason Amos rose to the challenge by scoring seven of his 19 points in extra time as the Blue Eagles notched their first back-to-back wins this season to move at 4-3 for third place entering the second round.
In the process, Ateneo – which also drew strong efforts from Chris Koon (17), Joseph Obasa (13) and Kai Ballungay (10) – handed its good neighbor its first defeat in front of 12,122 witnesses to the first chapter of the storied Battle of Katipunan rivalry this season.
“Obviously, we’re very delighted with the win. It’s a character game for us. We stuck to our guns. This is the first time we won back-to-back games this season,” said mentor Tab Baldwin after his wards recovered in OT after UP stormed back in regulation.
Ateneo and UP took turns in ruling the UAAP the past two years.
Earlier, Santo Tomas ended a year-long, 19-game losing spell after taming rival Far Eastern U, 68-62.
The Tigers last won on Oct. 1, 2022 during the opener of Season 85 before succumbing to 13 straight losses plus a 0-6 start in the return of coach Pido Jarencio this season.
Well, the losing streak has come to an end as Nic Cabañero came to the rescue when the Tigers needed him the most by cashing in 23 points on 9-of-16 clip spiced by six rebounds and two assists in 30 minutes of play.