UAAP: Ateneo escapes UE in overtime thriller to clinch Final Four spot

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 23) — The Ateneo de Manila University escaped the University of the East (UE), 69-66, in overtime to book a Final Four seat in the UAAP Season 85 men's basketball tournament Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Dave Ildefonso delivered a clutch performance for Ateneo, including a cold-blooded three-pointer to tie the game at 62 in regulation and grabbing pivotal rebounds in the extra period to help seal the win. He finished the match with 12 points and 14 rebounds.

Kai Balungay added 14 points and seven rebounds, while Angelo Kouame contributed 12 points and 12 rebounds for Ateneo.

Ateneo improved its win-loss slate to 9-3 with this fourth straight victory, while eliminating UE from Final Four contention as it slid to 4-9.

Rey Remogat registered a career-high 21 points, three assists, and two rebounds for UE.

Ateneo will face league-leading University of the Philippines on Nov. 26 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. UE, meanwhile, battles the resurging De La Salle University on the same day.