IN THE fourth quarter you always want to have the ball in the hands of your best player, and for the final six minutes, Justin Chua was just that. The Chiang Kai Shek product, carried Ateneo past the UST Growling Tigers, 68-56 on July 18 at the PhilSports Arena.
Coach Norman Black gave Chua his first ever career start—the Ateneo coach opting to go big against the significantly smaller Tigers line up. Chua responded to the vote of confidence scoring the first six points for the Blue Eagles.
The first half was a tight but low scoring affair; the Eagles shooting a dismal 29% for the half, while the Tigers only made five trips to the line. Neither team managed to build a significant lead, the largest being UST’s five point lead late in the half which was eventually negated by Eric Salamat’s electrifying four point play.
As the two teams traded baskets for the majority of the third, foul trouble compromised the UST defense: the Tigers gave up the lead when a pair of free throws by Jason Escueta broke a 44-all deadlock.
Early in the fourth, the Tigers pulled to within 2, behind Clark Bautista’s three pointer, 51-49. UST, however, were unable to capitalize on the momentum. A three minute scoring drought plagued both teams, only to be broken by consecutive mid-range jumpers by Chua.
Chua dominated the final six minutes of play scoring eight points and blocking two shots adding to his game high totals of 17 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks.
An ecstatic Chua said after the game, “It feels good, because at least I know that the work I’ve been putting in practice is finally paying off. Also I feel so happy, that I was given the chance to perform, [and] being able to help the team and deliver what’s expected of me is something that I am thankful and happy about.”
Ateneo’s next game is against arch rivals La Salle, on July 24 (Saturday), 5pm at the Araneta Coliseum.
Writer’s Notes:
Ateneo dominated the glass thanks in part to the twin tower line up of Chua and Frank Golla, enjoying a 52-38 rebound advantage. The Blue Eagles also enjoyed a sizeable free throw differential attempting 30 to the Growling Tiger’s 12. Ateneo’s three point shooting woes continued, shooting 2-17 bringing their season average to 15.6%
Box score:
Ateneo- Chua 17, Salva 14, Monfort 8, Salamat 7, Golla 7, Dela Cruz 6, Escueta 5, Long 2, Austria 2
UST- Bautista 11, Teng 10, Camus 8, Mariano 7, Fortuna 7, Pe 4, Afuang 4, Marata 2, Aytona 2, Daquiog 1
Quarter Scoring: 15-14, 31-32, 51-46, 68-56
