Ateneo de Manila University returned to the win column in dominant fashion at the expense of Adamson University, 76-55, in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Kai Ballungay led the onslaught with career-best 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the field to go with four rebounds and two assists.

“I’m very happy that we’re back on the right side of the win column after the UP loss,” said Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin.

Ahead by just six, Dave Ildefonso drilled a three-pointer to cap the half with the Blue Eagles up by nine, 41-32.

Ateneo then built from that and opened the third frame with 12 unanswered points to establish a 21-point lead with 6:52 left, 53-32.

Ildefonso chipped in 15 points as well while Gab Gomez had eight points.

The Blue Eagles rose to 4-2 for solo third, while the Soaring Falcons dropped to 2-4 at sixth.

Jerom Lastimosa finished with 18 points, Adamson’s lone double-digit scorer, but failed to dish out a single assists while committing three turnovers.

Lenda Douanga added eight points and 10 rebounds.

“Jerom had a big game with 18 points but he had to work for them. Credit to BJ Andrade, Chris Koon, and Sean Quitevis,” said Baldwin.

Adamson looks to end its two-game skid on Saturday at Ynares Center Antipolo against De La Salle University. Ateneo, meanwhile, faces University of the East on Sunday.

The Scores:

Ateneo 76 — Ballungay 21, Ildefonso 15, Gomez 8, Chiu 7, Padrigao 5, Lazaro 5, Kouame 4, Andrade 4, Garcia 3, Koon 3, Daves 2, Ong 2, Quitevis 0, Fetalvero 0, Fornilos 0, Lao 0.

Adamson 55 — Lastimosa 18, Douanga 8, Torres 6, Manzano 5, Flowers 4, Jaymalin 3, Fuentebella 3, Yerro 2, Barasi 2, Barcelona 2, W. Magbuhos 2, V. Magbuhos 0, Colonia 0.

Quarterscores: 22-16, 41-32, 61-47, 76-55.