MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Blue Eagles eliminated the gritty UE Red Warriors from UAAP Season 86 Final Four contention while assuring themselves of at least a playoff for a semis berth after an 80-74 win Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Red Warriors, which missed star rookie Precious Momowei in the must-win game due to a suspension, is out of semifinal race after their comeback effort just a bit late.
Ateneo took a 65-48 lead 31 seconds into the final quarter following a Kai Ballungay and-one play.
However, UE cut the deficit to four, 68-72, following a Wello Lingolingo trey with 2:15 remaining.
Timely free throws by the Blue Eagles kept the Red Warriors at bay.
A Mason Amos layup with 49.9 seconds left gave Ateneo the insurmountable 75-68 lead.
After a split from the line by Sean Quitevis, a 3-pointer by Red Warrior Ethan Galang cut Ateneo’s lead once again to five, 71-76, with seconds remaining.
Jared Brown also split from the charity stripe with 18.2 seconds left as he iced the game.
On the other end, Galang committed a turnover that closed the door shut.
With the win, Ateneo is guaranteed of a playoff for a semifinals ticket with a 7-6 win-loss record.
The already-ran UE, meanwhile, now has 4-9 slate.