The La Salle Green Archers finally ended a losing slump to Ateneo de Manila University as they defeated the Blue Eagles, 83-78, in the UAAP Season 85 men's basketball tournament, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
This is the Green Archers' first victory over the Blue Eagles since Game Two of the Season 80 Finals, breaking a seven-game skid against the Blue Eagles.
"The boys really worked hard. They believed they can beat Ateneo. Even though we were down, we were able to regroup in the second quarter," said La Salle coach Derrick Pumaren. "Hats off to my guys I told them to never doubt that we can match up against Ateneo."
Trailing by three, La Salle went on a 12-3 blast, capped by Schonny Winston's jumper to take a six-point lead with 1:42 left, 79-73.
Forthsky Padrigao then made a triple to pull Ateneo within three before Winston answered with another jumper, 81-76, with 1:19 to go.
Kai Ballungay scored a deuce to move within three but the Blue Eagles failed to convert in the ensuing possessions as Evan Nelle iced the game from the line.
Winston unloaded 25 points to go with five rebounds, six assists, and two steals for the Green Archers. Nelle chimed in 10 points while Raven Cortez was efficient in his 11 minutes with eight points and two blocks.
Ange Kouame had 22 points, but none of those came in the fourth frame, along with 12 rebounds and four blocks, while Ballungay had his best game with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Padrigao shot poorly from the field, going 2-of-18 to finish with just seven points.
La Salle improved to 2-1, joining National University and Ateneo for joint second.