IF UE were to make another finals appearance, this game was a must win. The Red Warriors turned to long range bomber James Martinez who caught fire, hitting six three pointers en route to 22 points as the Red Warriors upset the Ateneo Blue Eagles 62-60, on August 26, at the Araneta Coliseum.
Despite dominating the offensive boards early in the game, the Blue Eagles didn’t see much in the way of scoring as UE’s Ezer Rosopa dominated the paint restricting the Blue Eagles from any easy baskets. UE effectively harassed rebounders denying the outlet pass that fuels the Ateneo fastbreak. Rosopa’s defensive quarter was highlighted by consecutive rejections on forward Frank Golla.
Ateneo’s offensive woes were exacerbated by early foul trouble as both Golla and Eric Salamat both picked up two fouls in the first. The UE offense was hampered for much of the quarter by the trademark Ateneo defense but consecutive isolation plays for star guard Paul Lee produced consecutive, allowing the Warriors to steal the quarter, 10-8.
The second quarter saw the pace quicken, turning the defensive battle into a shootout. The duo of Martinez and Rosopa formed a deadly inside out combination, collaborating for 14 of UE’s 17 second quarter points. The Ateneo response came from the grinding offense of Jumbo Escueta who scored 10 in the period, powering his way into the paint for high percentage lay-ins.
As both their offense and defense finally synced up, the Blue Eagles appeared to pull away in the third. Ball movement allowed the Eagle defense to pick apart the Warrior defense and distributed the scoring load, as six different players scored in the period led by Ryan Buenafe’s five points. Buenafe capped his quarter by hitting a leaning reverse lay up over the outstretched arms of Kenneth Acibar at the 1:32 mark bringing the Ateneo crowd to its feet.
The Red Warriors burst out of the gate in the fourth, quickly wiping out the Ateneo lead with a foreboding 7-0 run, drawing level at 45 at the 7:20 mark, after a Martinez three pointer. After a brief Blue Eagle response, Martinez drew blood with two consecutive triples that gave the Warriors a six point cushion.
Out of a timeout, the Blue Eagle backcourt showed signs of agression, getting into the paint for easy lay ins or drawing fouls to pull off a 7-0 run of their own, capped by Salamat’s three pointer to pull ahead 57-56 with 2:35 remaining in regulation. This proved to be ample time for Martinez who hit another three pointer in a 5-0 burst giving UE a lead they would not surrender.
With just under 30 seconds remaining, Ateneo had a chance to pull even when Emman Monfort was fouled. The pressure however proved to be too much, as Monfort could only muster one of the two free throws to give UE a one point margin and possesion of the ball.
Lee left the door open, by splitting a pair of free throws of his own but Kirk Long’s lay up attempt came up short. After securing the rebound, Lee was fouled and intentionally missed a free throw to wrap up the scoring.
UE star guard Paul lee was held to 9 points on 3 of 15 shooting but contributed 4 assists and 6 rebounds including the final rebound which secured UE the win.
When asked whether this game was a must win Warriors’ coach Lawrence Chongson said, “The last few games have been must wins. We have to keep winning and hopefully we can catch some breaks and make the Final Four.”
Ateneo next faces the Adamson Falcons on August 29 (Sunday), at the Big Dome.
Boxscore:
UE 62: Martinez 22, Rosopa, 12, Lee 9, Acibar 7, Reyes 6, Santos 2, Casajeros 2, Tagarda 2
ADMU 60: Salamat 16, Escueta 10, Monfort 9, Chua 9, Buenafe 5, Long 4, Dela Cruz 3, Tiongson 2, Golla 2
