Ateneo endured a furious run by University of the East before pulling away en route to an 84-69 win at the UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the MOA Arena on Saturday.

The Blue Eagles squandered an early 20-point advantage when the Red Warriors sprang a surprise and claimed a 32-30 lead by the end of the first half.

Ateneo regrouped and dominated UE in the third period to reclaim the lead and pocket a third victory in five games.

Leading the way for Ateneo was Anton Asistio who tallied a career-high 21 points.

Ateneo’s Adrian Wong scored 17 points being abruptly leaving the game due to fouls, while Mike Nieto and Chibueze Ikeh each scored 11 points.

The Eagles made the most of their 52 attempts from the free throw line, sinking 35 of them.

Alvin Pasaol, meanwhile, broke out of his scoring slump and fired 22 points for UE. This, however, wasn't enough to save the Warriors, who fell to their fifth straight defeat.

Ateneo is now in second spot behind their fiercest rival and league-leading De La Salle.

The win was also a rebound for the Eagles since losing to Adamson, 61-62.

Box scores:

Ateneo 84 — Asistio 21, Wong 17, Mi. Nieto 11, Ikeh 11, Ravena 7, Ma. Nieto 7, Verano 4, Tolentino 3, Go 3, Babilonia 0, Mendoza 0, Porter 0, White 0.

UE 69 — Pasaol 22, Batiller 11, Varilla 7, Abanto 6, Derige 6, Charcos 4, Olayon 3, Manalang 3, De Leon 2, Palma 2, Penuela 2, Larupay 1, Acuno 0, Bartolome 0, Gagate 0, Armenion 0.

Quarter scores: 20-9, 30-32, 58-46, 84-69.

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