NU pushes Ateneo on the verge of elimination

MANILA, Philippines – The five-time defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles are on the verge of elimination. The National University (NU) Bulldogs outlasted the Blue Eagles, 70-65, putting Ateneo’s Final Four hopes in danger. Ateneo is now at 7-6, half a game behind the UST Growling Tigers, who currently hold the fourth and final semi-final spot. Ateneo must now beat UST in their final elimination round game to either advance outright or force a playoff for the fourth seed against the Growling Tigers. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, are already assured of a twice-to-beat advantage as they improved to 10-4. In the first game, the FEU Tamaraws gained a playoff for the twice-to-beat edge after beating the winless UP Fighting Maroons, 87-69. The Tamaraws also improved to 10-4, while the Maroons dropped to 0-13. -- Mornings @ ANC, September 12, 2013