
By NIKOLE JAVIER
Reigning Most Valuable Player Ange Kouame lifted Ateneo against National University, 77-60, for its second straight win in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday night, Oct. 5, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Kouame, who is still recovering from injuries, posted his first double-double performance of the season with 17 points and 12 rebounds to help the Blue Eagles rout the hapless Bulldogs.
Forthsky Padrigao and Dave Ildefonso added 13 and 12 markers, respectively. Kai Ballungay had a decent 10 points in their second outing of the season.
The second half saw the Blue Eagles run with a 60-45 lead that extended to as many as 22 points.
"I think there was an improvement over our first game in terms of our offense," said Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin. "Defensively, we are still solid but we can be better."
Michael Malonzo paced the Bulldogs with 13 points and nine rebounds.
The Scores:
ATENEO 77 -- Kouame 17, Padrigao 13, Ildefonso 12, Ballungay 10, Andrade 9, Koon 6, Lazaro 5, Gomez 3, Daves 2, Chiu 0, Garcia 0, Quitevis 0, Fornilos 0, Lao 0, Ong 0.
NU 60 -- Malonzo 13, Clemente 9, Manansala 9, Baclaan 7, Figueroa 6, Yu 4, Galinato 3, Palacielo 3, Minerva 2, John 2, Tulabut 2, Mahinay 0, Padrones 0.
Quarters: 20-15, 38-30, 60-45, 77-60.