ALLAN THE MAN

The defending champion Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles proved steady down the stretch as they downed UE Red Warriors, 77-72, to eliminate the Red Warriors from the UAAP Season 76 final four race Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Blue Eagles had to stave off a late rally from the Red Warriors and took advantage of the absence of Roi Sumang in the last two minutes to emerge with their seventh win of the season.

Kiefer Ravena scored 22 points while Chris Newsome had 19 points, eight rebounds and three assists to lead Ateneo, who moved back into a tie for fourth place with idle UST at 7-5.

Sumang scored 27 points through the first three quarters but was held scoreless in the final period.

Ateneo looked primed to pick up the victory when Ryan Buenafe hit a big three-pointer and Ravena followed it up with a steal and a transition basket in the next possession to push their lead up to 10 points, 72-62, with 4:40 remaining.

But UE stormed back with Gino Jumao-as hitting five-for-six from the free throw line and Sumang finding JM Noble for an easy shot under the basket to come within three, 72-69.

But Sumang looked to come down with a case of cramps and Ravena took advantage of the 5-on-4 situation to restore some order and make it a five-point lead, 74-69, with just 1:17 to play.

JR Sumindo scored for UE but Nico Elorde made a big play for Ateneo, saving the loose ball after a miss by Buenafe to keep the possession alive for the Blue Eagles.

Newsome hit two free throws and Ravena added another to give Ateneo a 77-71 lead with just 15 seconds left.

UE missed the services of third-best scorer Ralf Olivares, who serving out the second of his two-game suspension.

The Red Warriors dropped down to 5-7.

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