By Adrian Stewart Co

Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) scored a 77-69 win over De La Salle University (DLSU) yesterday in the 82nd UAAP men’s basketball season at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Adrian Wong finished with 18 points for AdMU, while Ilonggo forward Ferdinand ‘Thirdy’ Ravena III added 13, and Angelo Kouame contributed 10.
AdMU set the tone early on with eight points from Wong. However, DLSU responded and brought the game to a 15-all count before AdMU seized a 19-15 edge on two free throws by George Isaac Go and a layup from Gian Mamuyac.
In the second period, AdMU widened their lead to 29-19 on five straight points by Bacolodnon point guard Samjosef Belangel.
The deficit then narrowed to 36-30 at the half following consecutive hits from DLSU’s Encho Serrano.
DLSU continued to rally at the onset of the third period as they made it a two-point game, down 38-36; but baskets from Kouame and Ravena allowed AdMU to restore a 55-50 edge.
In the fourth, hits by Mike Nieto and Kouame gave AdMU their largest lead of the game at 13 points./ASC, WDJ