Tio caught fire and poured all his 17 markers on four trifectas in the third quarter to help the Blue Eagles lead as much as 21 points, 63-42.

The Tamaraws, however, refused to hand over the victory just yet as RJ Abarrientos paced his team’s 15-5 run in the fourth quarter, ending with a bucket from Emman Ojuola.

With FEU’s rally, they trimmed their deficit to six points, 77-66, with four minutes remaining in the clock.

It was still an endgame for Ateneo with a clutch floater from SJ Belangel and baskets from Dave Ildefonso.

“Really tough game, but you always get that from Olsen and his team. They’re just a tough organization and they don’t give anything away easily and that’s the case again today,” said coach Tab Baldwin.

Tio finished the game on a 4-of-6 clip from deep, to go with two rebounds, while Ildefonso also got 17 points on top of four boards and two assists.

Abarrientos took charge for the Tamaraws with 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, and a block while Ojuola posted a double-double with 15 points and 17 rebounds including two blocks.

Defending champs Ateneo now holds the top spot early at 2-0, while FEU slipped to a 1-1 record.

The Scores:

Ateneo 79 – Ildefonso 17, Tio 17, Andrade 9, Kouame 9, Belangel 7, Verano 6, Mamuyac 5, Koon 4, Mendoza 3, Lazaro 2, Chiu 0, Daves 0.

FEU 70 – Abarrientos 16, Ojuola 15, Alforque 12, Torres 8, Tempra 8, Gonzales 4, Bienes 3, Gravera 2, Li 2, Sajonia 0, Coquia 0, Sleat 0.

Quarters: 18-17, 42-32, 67-51, 79-70.