Ateneo survives La Salle to stay undefeated

The Ateneo Blue Eagles notched their 10th win this season as they defeated the De La Salle Green Archers, 77-69, Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

It was a close affair for most of the game until the Katipunan-based squad made a spurt before the halfway mark of the final period, ignited by Thirdy Ravena and Gian Mamuyac to widen the lead, 64-55. The Archers tried to come back late in the game but it was not enough to steal the win.

Adrian Wong ended the game with a season-high 18 point-performance.

"I think if Adrian doesn't come out hot, we're in trouble in the first half. But fortunately, he did," Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin said during the post-game conference. "I think it's another example of, you know, somebody else on our roster stepping up and having a good game when it was needed," he added.

Even though they emerged victorious, Baldwin credited the Archers for giving them a tough game.

"I think we can play better, but you got to give credit to La Salle for forcing us to not play as well as we know that we can and we know that we should. Even though it's a loss, you know, I like to congratulate them on their effort and their toughness. And again, thank you," Baldwin said.

Coach Tab Baldwin shares his thoughts about the win pic.twitter.com/pAkkCBaTsg

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) October 13, 2019

Wong said the win was more valuable as they went up against their rivals. "Actually this game means a lot because of course it's Ateneo-La Salle. But like we said earlier, anyone on this team, we believe in everyone on this team," he added.

Adrian Wong on the win pic.twitter.com/1J2N1Q4xda

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) October 13, 2019

Thirdy Ravena listed 13 points while Angelo Kouame provided a statline of 10 points and 14 rebounds.

For La Salle, Encho Serrano made 15 points while Justine Baltazar flirted with a double-double 12 markers and nine boards. Jamie Malonzo stuffed the stats with 10p and 12 r, while the backcourt duo of Andrei Caracut and Aljun Melecio provided a total of 21 points.

With the win, Ateneo still remains on top of the league with 10-0 while La Salle slides to  4-5. — LA, GMA News