The Blue Eagles held another dominative win as they are just a win away from another elimination round sweep and an outright ticket to the Finals as they face second-seeded team Fighting Maroons on Sunday, May 1.

Verano led all scorers with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting to go with 13 rebounds while Tyler Tio also showed his veteran presence with 14 points built on three triples along with four rebounds and three assists.

Ateneo shifted on high gear in the third quarter to lead by as many as 17 points heading into the final frame, 51-34.

FEU started climbing back to trim the deficit down to 11 in the last quarter but Verano and Gian Mamuyac conspired to rebuild another 18-point cushion, 63-45, and never looked back.

RJ Abarrientos top-scored FEU with 12 points and five rebounds while Ljay Gonzales added 10 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

FEU, which is currently tied at fourth with National University (NU) at 6-7 card, will need to win their match against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) on Sunday to secure them at least a playoff for the last semifinal ticket. 

The Scores:

ATENEO 70 – Verano 17, Tio 14, Belangel 8, Ildefonso 8, Mamuyac 7, Kouame 4, Koon 4, Mendoza 3, Padrigao 3, Chiu 2, Lazaro 0, Daves 0, Gomez 0, Andrade 0.

FEU 53 – Abarrientos 12, Gonzales 10, Torres 8, Alforque 5, Ojuola 5, Tempra 4, Sleat 3, Sajonia 3, Celzo 2, Coquia 1, Bienes 0, Sandagon 0, Li 0.

Quarters: 17-11, 33-23, 51-34, 70-53.