Ateneo ousts UE from Final 4 race

MANILA, Philippines – Defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles bucked a slow start to beat the University of the East (UE), 77-72, and oust the Red Warriors from the Final Four race in the UAAP Season 76 men’s basketball tournament. The Blue Eagles made the necessary adjustments in the second half as they overcame the absence of head coach Bo Perasol. Ateneo improved to 7-5 and kept in step with UST in the league standings. Meanwhile, UE is now eliminated after suffering its 7th loss against five wins. In the next game, the De La Salle Green Archers clinched a berth in the Final Four after escaping with a 57-55 win over the NU Bulldogs. Jeron Teng scored the go-ahead basket with 44 seconds left as La Salle ended the final frame with a 14-3 run to rally from a nine-point deficit. It was La Salle’s sixth straight victory, while NU’s six-game winning streak was snapped. -- Mornings @ ANC, September 9, 2013