Ateneo de Manila University clobbered the University of Santo Tomas, 67-59, to end its three-game losing skid in men’s basketball in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday. Kai Ballungay had 15 points and 14 rebounds as the Blue Eagles improved their record to 5-6. Chris Koon added 12 points on 10 attempts with six rebounds, three assists, and one steal, while Jared Brown had 10 points and two assists. ‘We’re happy to end that losing streak, that’s for sure,’ Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin said. ‘I was really pleased today with our defense. We did a good job on Nic (Cabañero). He’s just a handful to try and defend (against) and to hold him down to 16 (points) on 33-percent shooting is a pretty good job’. From a 29-43 halftime deficit, UST fought back behind Cabañero, Migs Pangilinan, Kenji Duremdes, and Christian Manaytay to move within 43-47. But that proved to be their last gallant stand as Raffy Celis, Mason Amos, and Koon scored back-to-back baskets to give the Blue Eagles a 66-56, one minute remaining. The loss sent the Growling Tigers out of the Final Four race as they absorbed their 10th loss in 12 outings. Huge win In men’s badminton, Ateneo banked on skipper Arthur Samuel Salvado Jr. to escape with a 3-2 victory against seven-time champion National University at the Centro Atletico Badminton Center in Cubao, Quezon City. The 22-year-old player from Davao City defeated Julius Villabrille, 22-20, 21-12, in the deciding singles to carry the Blue Eagles to their fourth win this season. Ateneo, NU, and the University of the Philippines ended the eliminations with identical 4-1 records but the Blue Eagles took the No. 1 spot by having superior matches won. “Our mindset going into the tie is that we got nothing to lose and everything to gain. So, it was also my thoughts heading into my match. I was adjusting at first because I’m playing against a doubles specialist, but, fortunately, I got my groove and won it,” Salvado, who debuted in the 2019 Manila SEA Games, said.
Source: Philippines News Agency