In a rematch of the Season 72 finals, the Ateneo Blue Eagles once again got the best of the UE Red Warriors, 80-73 on August 8 at the PhilSports Arena. Captain Paul Lee’s performance led UE tantalizingly close to upsetting the Blue Eagles, but a fourth quarter flurry keyed in by the Ateneo backcourt helped the Blue Eagles avoid an upset to the 1-6 Warriors.
Even with Justin Chua’s quick start, scoring eight of Ateneo’s first ten points, the Blue Eagles were unable to build a significant lead in the first as UE’s Kenneth Acibar and James Martinez kept pace, scoring six and five points respectively. The Blue Eagles’ length in the front court bothered the Red Warrior offense, erasing shots by the quarter’s end.
Despite poor shooting, the UE offense kicked into high gear in the second and third quarters, scoring 20 in each and started the final quarter with a six point lead. The trademark Ateneo defense—that has been central in their recent three game winning streak—was nowhere to be seen as the Recto cagers enjoyed an offensive-rebounding advantage.
The Blue Eagles’ offense was jolted on the very first play of the fourth, as Kirk Long converted on a three point play opening the flood gates for the Ateneo backcourt. After Paul Lee responded with a three pointer, Salamat hit three pointers on consecutive plays and drew a foul on another three point attempt knotting the game at 63 with 7:22 to play.
Another three pointer by Long evened the score a final time at 69 as Ateneo’s extended onslaught left the Warriors in its wake. Juami Tiongson’s consecutive jumpers ended any hope for a Warrior comeback stretching the lead to eight with a little over a minute remaining.
Paul Lee’s 16 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, were largely negated by his poor shooting, hitting only six of his twenty attempts. Eric Salamat scored a season high 23 points marking the third consecutive game in double digits and his second 20 point performance of the year.
Ateneo head coach Norman black credited their championship mettle and attitude for their comeback win.
“It was our experience and morale that came up big time for us. This was a gut out win. There is no way you’re going to win by 25 every game [in the UAAP].”
Commenting on their record in the first round the Blue Eagles coach said, “We’d like to have a better record but we’re in the final four and that’s the important thing.”
“From my experience it’s hard to win a championship when you’re not in the final four.”
Boxscore:
ADMU 80: Salamat 23, Salva 13, Chua 13, Long 10, Dela Cruz, 6, Monfort 6, Tiongson 4, Austria 3, Gonzaga 2
UE 73: Lee 16, Acibar 14, Razon 11, Reyes 11, Martinez 8, Zamar 6, Rosopa 4, Tagarda 3
Quarter Scoring
19-17, 36-37, 51-57, 80-73
