Ateneo halts losing skid, ends UE's playoff hopes

Ateneo de Manila University defeated the University of the East, 71-67, halting their three-game losing streak and ending their playoff hopes.

The Blue Eagles secured their fourth win of the season with a balanced offensive effort, featuring five players scoring in double digits.

Andrew Bongo led Ateneo with 15 points, supported by Shaun Tuano's 13 points.

Chris Koon and Joshua Lazaro achieved double-double performances with 12 and 11 points respectively, alongside 10 and 12 rebounds.

Rookie Jared Bahay contributed 11 points, including the last 5 points in the final 68 seconds of regulation that sealed the win.

UE's Devin Fikes committed a crucial goaltend on a Bahay floater with 19.6 seconds left, extending Ateneo's lead to 69-67.

Despite the loss, UE slid to the No. 4 spot with a 6-7 record, but still earned a playoff for the Final Four spot.