BUCKING PRE-GAME expectations of an FEU win, the Ateneo Blue Eagles banked on their defense and end game composure to emerge victorious over Far Eastern University, 63-59, at the Araneta Coliseum on July 12.

With reigning Most Valuable Player Rabeh Al-Hussaini’s inside dominance established early in the game, and the come-backing Emman Monfort leading the Ateneo guards in converting from beyond the arc, the Blue Eagles ended the first half, 40-29, poised to have a lopsided win.

A resurgent Tamaraws squad, however, entered the third canto with renewed intensity as Smart Gilas RP Team member Mark Barroca combined with Cameroonian rookie Pipo Nuondou to eventually tie the game at 44, with three minutes left in the third quarter.

A series of unforced turnovers, and shot clock violations added to the woes of the Blue Eagles coming into the final quarter that kept the game close until the end.

But a crucial and-1 play by Al-Hussaini with less than two minutes left in the game, a Ryan Buenafe steal, and an emphatic rebound by the former proved to be what Ateneo needed to notch that first win.

Despite the win, Head Coach Norman Black pointed out: “We hurried things too much towards the end.  Everybody was trying to do things too quickly.”

“Maybe if we had taken care of the ball more, the game would not have been as close down the stretch,” he added.

Al-Hussaini top-scored for the Blue Eagles with 18 points, while Buenafe and sophomore Nico Salva chipped in 10 and nine points respectively.

Asked if this first win is a statement game in terms of Ateneo’s drive for back-to-back championships, Coach Norman is quick to say that there are a lot more games to go.

“We came into the game knowing that we’re probably playing the toughest team in FEU, so it’s a big win for us—a confidence booster to be able to beat them. [But] we have to move on to the next game.”

The Blue Eagles will play the University of the East Red Warriors on Thursday, July 15, 4pm at the Araneta Coliseum.