Ateneo survives upset-minded UE to revive its Final Four hopes

ATENEO DE MANILA University (ADMU) snapped out of a costly five-game funk and kept University of the East (UE) winless via comeback win, 78-74, to revive its Final Four hopes in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

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The ADMU Blue Eagles unleashed a 12-3 closeout to dodge a massive upset from the UE Red Warriors on a 15-game losing spell since last season to get back on track at 5-5 after going winless in the entire month since an 81-74 win over De La Salle University for then a 4-0 start.

Ateneo, which is eyeing for redemption this year after a cellar finish in Season 87 with a dismal 4-10 slate, tied Adamson University at fifth place to knock on the Final Four door currently occupied by National University (8-2), titleholder University of the Philippines (6-3), La Salle (6-4) and University of Santo Tomas (5-4).

Gilas Pilipinas-bound forward Kymani Ladi posted 16 points and nine rebounds while Divine Adili returned from a three-game absence due to a back injury in style with 15 points and 13 rebounds laced by two assists, two steals and a block.