The Ateneo Blue Eagles used a big fourth quarter surge to take care of the Naga College Foundation Tigers, 84-69 to wrap up opening day action of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League Elite Eight Thursday night from the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Nursing an eight point lead entering the final frame, the Hail Mary squad poured it on and played the unselfish basketball that enabled them to bag the UAAP crown late last year to leave the hapless Tigers shell-shocked. Leading 80-61 midway through the fourth, the game was never in question since then as Ateneo cruised for the victory.
The Blue Eagles were anchored by their leader Thirdy Ravena who chipped in 15 points and 14 rebounds. Matt Nieto added 16 points while Gerald Mamuyac and Anton Asistio had 13 and 12 respectively for the balanced attack.
Emmanuel Ojoula had another monster performance for NCF with 34 points while going 15-for-18 from the field and hauling in 14 rebounds. Jaymar Allarey added 14 markers of his own to help the Tigers cause, but their efforts were not enough as none of their teammates reached 10+ points each, with seven of them putting up zeroes for the game. NCF also failed to capitalize on their post presence despite outscoring Ateneo from inside the paint, 52-34.