Photo by Mario T. Dagdag

By riding a combined 32 points from the tandem of Kiefer Ravena and Nico Salva, the Ateneo Blue Eagles showcased their offensive flexibility, routing the UST Growling Tigers, 66-53, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on August 4, 2011.

Despite tight zone defense, which shackled the post play of seven foot Greg Slaughter, the Blue Eagles followed a familiar script en route to their sixth consecutive win—using a second quarter burst to overcome a slow start before cruising to victory.

A quick six point run from the opening tip forced UST Head Coach Pido Jarencio to burn a timeout not two minutes into the game. The decision proved to pay dividends as the break in action allowed the Tigers to set a frustrating zone defense, which held the starting squad scoreless for six minutes.

Eventually, the España-based cagers’ tactics led to a 9-0 run, highlighted by a step back three-pointer by last season’s UAAP Juniors MVP Kevin Ferrer over the outstretched arms of Ravena.

The second quarter was headlined by the inspired play of fifth year guard Tonino Gonzaga, who’s relentless energy seemed to spark the lagging Blue Eagle offense, scoring eight points before half time to lead all scorers. Crisp ball rotation and penetration finally broke the stiff UST zone and allowed the Blue Eagles to total 19 points in the quarter before heading into the break with a hard earned nine point lead, 29-20.

The onslaught continued through the break with Ravena and Salva combining for 18 points through the half, pacing the Blue Eagles’ constant production.

An intermittent Tiger offense, which included a 14.3% mark from beyond the arc, simply couldn’t keep pace with the Blue Eagles, and the gap widened to a comfortable margin which wouldn’t truly be threatened for the remainder of the game.

Though unable to contribute much offensively, Greg Slaughter more than negated his UST counter parts particularly the 6’8” Cameroonian import, Karim Abdul, who scored just four points on 2 of 10 shooting.  UST point guard Jeric Fortuna eluded defenders throughout the second half, totaling 13 markers after the break, equaling Ravena’s 18 point total by the final whistle.

While the Tigers hit just 2 for 14 from deep, the Blue Eagles shot an even poorer 5.8%, hitting just 1 three-pointer in 18 attempts.

With the win, the Blue Eagles are guaranteed of the best mark through the first round of eliminations and face the second place FEU Tamaraws this Sunday, August 7 at 3:00 PM, in a rematch of last year’s UAAP finals.

Scoring Leaders:

ADMU, 66: Ravena 18, Salva 14, Gonzaga 8, Austria 7, Long 6, Slaughter 6, Chua 2, Monfort 2, Sumalinog 2, Golla 1, Erram 0, Tiongson 0

UST, 53: Fortuna 18, Teng 12, Ferrer 6, Pe 6, Camus 5, Abdul 4, Afuang 2, Lo 0, Sheriff 0, Tan 0, Ungria 0, Vigil 0

Quarter Scoring: 10-11, 29-20, 47-34, 66-53