THE ATENEO Blue Eagles faltered in an overtime thriller against defending champions University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 71-76, in their highly-anticipated rematch at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City earlier today.
Today’s five-point loss serves as a blow to the Blue Eagles as they drop down from the top spot to the fifth in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 standings, now holding a 3-2 record. This also marks Ateneo’s third loss out of the four games they have had against the Fighting Maroons ever since their Season 84 Finals matchup.
Veteran forward Dave Ildefonso led the way for the Blue Eagles in their losing effort, with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and two steals. Forthsky Padrigao—who had his moments during clutch time—also contributed with a 15-point and four-assist outing.
Coach Tab Baldwin introduced a new starting lineup for today’s affair, swapping out Kai Ballungay with Geo Chiu in hopes of fortifying the paint against UP’s big frontcourt. However, this did not go according to script as the reigning Finals MVP Malick Diouf made his presence felt in the paint early in the game.
The Katipunan neighbors stayed close throughout the first quarter, with both teams answering each other’s baskets. However, the Blue Eagles failed to convert on multiple offensive opportunities, leaving them down 18-14 at the end of the first canto.
Both Ateneo and UP were aggressive with their defense to start the second quarter, with neither team able to convert on points from consecutive possessions. Their dry run came to a halt after a quick lead change saw Ateneo take a 34-28 advantage. Late in the first half of the second quarter, Ildefonso started to sizzle, hitting two consecutive triples to give the Blue Eagles some cushion heading into the halftime break, 38-33.
In typical UP fashion, the defending champions clawed their way back to take the lead in the early stages of the second half, 42-38. Ateneo did not let UP’s offensive strategies affect their composure, instead retaking the lead to once again make this a back-and-forth showing. Coach Tab’s team squeezed out a slim advantage thanks to Chris Koon’s finish, putting them up 54-53 heading into the fourth and final period.
[Third Quarter]
— Mookie Borja (@Mooks_TheGUIDON) October 16, 2022
A strong drive and finish from Chris Koon! Ateneo escapes the third quarter with a one-point lead.
Ateneo 54 UP 53#UAAPBasketball
The Fighting Maroons started off the fourth quarter in a frenzy, scoring nine unanswered points to give them a sizable cushion, 57-64, which forced Ateneo to call for time. The Loyola Heights-based squad’s inability to convert on their chances down the stretch cost them an opportunity to come back midway through the frame, going 0-for-9 before a Padrigao mid-range jumper.
With a minute remaining in the regular period, Ildefonso connected on two free throws to make it a one-possession game, 61-64. Padrigao then proceeded to hit a big-time three to even the ball game at 64 after picking Zav Lucero’s pocket on defense.
Following Padrigao’s much-needed points, Ateneo forced another UP turnover, giving them possession for a chance to win the ball game. However, Padrigao failed to connect on a potential game-winning play set up for him by Coach Baldwin, which resulted in overtime for the Katipunan rivals.
[Fourth Quarter]
— Mookie Borja (@Mooks_TheGUIDON) October 16, 2022
Padrigao with the game tying three!
Ateneo 64 UP 64
36 secs remaining #UAAPBasketball pic.twitter.com/fhNfe1blv6
In the extra five minutes of play, UP proved why they were crowned the Men’s basketball champions a few months ago. Their veterans Carl Tamayo, Spencer, and JD Cagulangan put up clutch baskets to give the Fighting Maroons a 73-68 lead with less than 30 seconds left in the match. Padrigao, however, had an answer and trickled in a triple to cut the deficit to two with 23 seconds left. UP Star Forward Tamayo then split his charities to give Ateneo another chance to tie the game. On offense, the ball found its way to Ballungay—who missed a crucial corner jumper—effectively sealing the victory for the Fighting Maroons.
The Blue and White (3-2) hope to recoup from today’s deflating defeat in a clash against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons (2-3) on Wednesday, October 19, 1:00 PM, at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.
Box Scores:
Ateneo (71): Ildefonso – 22, Padrigao – 15, Kouame – 10, Andrade – 9, Ballungay – 8, Koon – 5, Chiu – 2
UP (76): Tamayo – 20, Spencer – 14, Diouf – 12, Lucero – 10, Cagulangan – 7, Abadiano – 6, Galinato – 4, Fortea – 3
Quarter Scores:
Ateneo-UP: 14-18, 38-33, 54-53, 64-64, 71-76
