THE ATENEO Blue Eagles continue to stay ahead of the competition in Season 71 of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines. With a record of 11-1, they are assured of a twice-to-beat advantage with a win against the National University Bulldogs or the De La Salle Green Archers.
Ateneo 79, UP 58
The Blue Eagles beat the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 79-58, last August 24 at the Araneta Coliseum.
Led by the trio of Rabeh Al-Hussaini (IV AB IS), Chris Tiu (V BSM AMF), and Nonoy Baclao (III AB IS), the Blue Eagles worked together to give the team an early lead.
Ateneo, however, could not pull away, as UP knocked down one three-point shot after another and kept the game close.
Despite putting the Fighting Maroons in foul trouble during the first half, the Blue Eagles were unable to score on their free throw attempts, preventing them from further stretching their eight point lead at the half.
The second half witnessed a more assertive Ateneo. The squad attacked from different sides of the court and forced UP to take contested shots. The Eagles were also able to stop the Fighting Maroons’ leading scorer Martin Reyes, who was only able to score one point for the game.
Maroon Woodward Co tried to keep UP afloat for a possible upset. His efforts, however, were not enough, as Yuri Escueta (MBA) and Kirk Long (II AB IS) sealed Ateneo’s 11th victory in the final quarter.
Norman Black was pleased with the performance of his players. “Each game is a challenge, and we will have to continue playing defense to be able to give ourselves a chance. Everyone really stepped up after the first half.”
Al-Hussaini paced the Blue Eagles with 24 points while Tiu added 14.
Ateneo 61, UE 57
The Blue Eagles overcame the University of the East Red Warriors’ outside shooting and interior defense as they came from behind to win in overtime, 61-57, at the Araneta Coliseum last August 21.
Early on, the Blue Eagles encountered scoring problems as the Red Warriors’ defense held Al-Hussaini scoreless in the first quarter and limited the entire Eagles offense to only 21 points at halftime.
The Blue Eagles showed better form at the beginning of the third quarter as tighter defense and fast break plays allowed them to take a 30- 24 lead. UE responded with shooters James Martinez and Paul Zamar converting consecutive three-point shots to lead a 14-0 UE run.
With five minutes to go in the fourth quarter and UE ahead, 46-38, the Blue Eagles staged a fiery run, anchored on crucial treys by Ryan Buenafe (I AB IS) and Team Captain Tiu, that tied the ball game at 50-all with 13.5 seconds left on the game clock.
The Red Warriors committed a backcourt violation on their final play while Buenafe missed a trey as time expired.
In overtime, it was Al-Hussaini and Baclao who carried Ateneo, combining for eight of the team’s 11 points, including the latter’s two win-sealing free throws.
Despite the multiple defenses the Red Warriors threw at him, Al-Hussaini led the Blue Eagles with 19 points, while Tiu, Baclao, and Buenafe added 18, 10, and 6 respectively.
