Ateneo goes 2-0 after narrow escape vs UE behind Kymani Ladi, Waki Espina

Ateneo de Manila University held off the University of the East, 62–60, to secure its second straight win in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Blue Eagles started strong, building a 35–24 lead by halftime and extending it to their biggest advantage early in the third quarter following a split at the line by Dom Escobar.

However, UE slowly clawed back, closing the third frame with a 47-all deadlock. The fourth quarter turned into a neck-and-neck affair, with the Red Warriors even taking a 60–58 lead with 31 seconds remaining after a late triple by Wello Lingolingo.

Ateneo, however, quickly responded. Kymani Ladi drained a go-ahead three-pointer off a Jared Bahay assist, and Escobar later added a split from the line to put the Blue Eagles ahead, 62–60.

UE had a chance to force overtime or win it, but Precious Momowei lost control of the ball after grabbing the rebound, thanks to a crucial steal by Waki Espina, which sealed the victory for the Katipunan-based squad.

Ladi led Ateneo with 18 points and 10 rebounds in another standout performance, while Espina added 17 points, including four triples on six attempts.

Lingolingo paced the Red Warriors with 19 points, while Momowei tallied nine points and a game-high 18 rebounds.

With the win, Ateneo improved to 2–0, while UE fell to 0–2 and extended its losing skid to eight games dating back to last season.

Scores:

ATENEO 62 -- Ladi 18, Espina 17, Bahay 8, Escobar 7, Lazaro 3, Gamber 3, Bongo 2, Adili 2, Espinosa 1, Lazo 1, Tuano 0, Ong 0.

UE 60 -- Lingolingo 19, Abate 11, Mulingtapang 9, Momowei 9, Jimenez 6, Caoile 4, Malaga 2, Robles 0, Tanedo 0.

Quarters: 21-14, 35-24, 47-47, 62-60.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News