LOOKING EVERY bit the back-to-back defending champions, the Ateneo Blue Eagles handed the top seeded FEU Tamaraws their worst beating of the year, taking the first game in the best of three championship series, 72-49, on September 25 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
After sweeping the season series by an average 2.5 points, the Tamaraws seemed to have wilted under the bright lights of the Finals, shooting a dismal 27% .
Though both teams showed signs of big game jitters, it did not take long for the Blue Eagles’ transition offense to overwhelm the helpless FEU defense. The Blue and White side held the Tamaraws without a field goal in the last five minutes, sparking a 15-0 run, which resulted in a commanding 18-point lead entering the second quarter.
The game was never in question after the overwhelming opening quarter, never falling below the 16-point mark after the first and ballooning to 28 late in regulation. The Blue Eagles received contributions from the breadth of the rotation as 11 of the 13 players who saw game time scored at least 2 points while six Eagles scored eight or more.
With a week to prepare for the match-up with their Morayta-based foes, Coach Norman Black praised his coaching staff’s preparation knowing very well that certain adjustments would have to be made to avoid another sweep at the hands of the Tamaraws. Season 73 Most Improved Player Emman Monfort got the starting nod over King Eagle Eric Salamat as his grit and quickness served as a better match to Season MVP RR Garcia, who went a quarter and a half before recording his first basket. Garcia eventually finished with 11 points, six points shy of his season average. Kirk Long played more of a free safety role on the defensive end of the court, collapsing on FEU isolations making for tough attempts or pass outs.
The most rewarding of these changes came out of necessity. As back up center Jason Escueta served out a one game suspension, Coach Black turned to his bench slotting in 6’7” shot-blocker JP Erram. Subbed in midway through the first quarter, Erram made his presence felt early, blocking consecutive shots in his first 30 seconds of play, finishing with a game high five rejections.
“It was probably our best game of the year but hopefully we’ll play a better one on Thursday,” said Black.
Boxscore:
Ateneo 72: Long 14, Chua 13, Salva 10, Monfort 9, Austria 8, Salamat 8, Erram 4, Gonzaga 2, Golla 2, Buenafe 2
FEU 49: Garcia 11, Romeo 10, Cervantes 7, Noundou 6, Ramos 6, Cawaling 3, Excimiano 2, Cruz 2, Bringas 2
Quarter Scoring: 26-8, 42-21, 60-38, 72-49
