MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Ateneo de Manila University utterly dominated De La Salle University, 71-55, in the renewal of their famed UAAP rivalry, Saturday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Angelo Kouame led the Blue Eagles in their romp of the Green Archers. He registered a double-double of 18 points, and 11 rebounds en route to snaring their fifth victory in six outings.
"Whenever you play La Salle, you have to put in the effort," the 6-foot-10 Kouame told the press.
The Blue Eagles forced the Green Archers to commit a total of 28 errors in the tussle, the most they committed this season.
Ateneo has won five straight games since dropping their season-opener against Adamson University.
De La Salle dropped to 3-3.
The Blue Eagles face the UST Growling Tigers on Wednesday at the MOA Arena.
The Green Archers take on the NU Bulldogs this coming Saturday also at the MOA Arena.
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The Scores
ATENEO 71 – Kouame 20, Asistio 12, Ravena 9, Verano 8, Navarro 6, Go 6, Tio 5, Nieto Mi 3, Nieto Ma 2, Wong 0, Mamuyac 0, Belangel 0, Mendoza 0
LA SALLE 55 – Melecio 21, Santillan 7, Dyke 6, Baltazar 4, Montalbo 4, Caracut 4, Bates 3, Serrano 3, Manuel 3, Go 0
QUARTER SCORES: 12-13, 28-21, 50-33, 71-55