Ateneo de Manila University barely escapes University of the Philippines’ challenge down-the-wire to pull off a 70-69 in Wednesday’s UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball at the Araneta Coliseum.

Mikee Reyes – fouled by Chris Newsome with 0.8 seconds left on the clock – had the chance to tie or win the ballgame for UP, but instead muffed both free throws.

“I’m not happy with the way we won,” said Ateneo coach Bo Perasol following the game.

“In hindsight, I shouldn’t have used all of my players. We shouldn’t have underestimated that UP has the capability to come back.”

Perasol experimented with his lineup, fielding in all of his 16 players during the match – including former Blue Eaglet and youth national team mainstay Jay Javelosa.

Kiefer Ravena led Ateneo with 18 points and seven assists, Nico Elorde added 12 points.

Mikee Reyes, who led UP’s final push, poured 15 of his 19 points during the fourth quarter. JR Gallarza added 18 points and six rebounds, while Diego Dario continued his stellar play with 13 markers.

Ateneo holds steady with a 9-3 record – clinching a playoff for a spot in the Final Four.

UP, which has not won against the Blue Eagles since their 68-58 win during the first round of Season 72 ,stays locked at the bottom half with a 1-11 won-lost record.