FORTY-NINE points per game—the average lead margin kept by the Ateneo Blue Eagles against their first two opponents in the 16th Annual Philippine Sports Commission University Games (Unigames).

Although succeeding teams would whittle down the massive differential, the blue crew kept its composure en route to a championship.

In a squad severely missing key players—Greg Slaughter, Kiefer Ravena, Nico Salva and Emman Monfort were under training for Coach Norman Black’s Sinag-Pilipinas team to represent the country in the Southeast Asian Games, while the graduating Bacon Austria and Oping Sumalinog were playing for Freego Jeans in the Philippine Basketball Developmental League under the tutelage of Adamson Coach Leo Austria—the Ateneo contingent was constituted of reserves from the Hail Mary Team and holdovers from Team Glory Be, giving the blue faithful a glimpse of its promising future.

The Blue Eagles first drubbed Capiz’s Filamer Christian University with a score of 90-50, and then went on to torch the Negros Oriental State University with a score of 90-32. The first two matches, according to Unigames standout Gwyne Capacio, were largely “team efforts,” which owed contributions from the starting five down to the 12th man.

The next match was against the University of St. La Salle – Bacolod, which saw Juami Tiongson, probably next season’s starter at point guard, go off for 17 points in an 86-67 stymying. The win gave the Blue Eagles a slot in the quarterfinals.

The quarterfinal match was no different than the previous game, as the Blue Eagles ripped Capiz’s Hercor College en route to an 88-71 victory, with Tiongson scoring a team-high 16 points.

In the semifinals, the Blue Eagles defeated Iloilo’s College of San Agustin, 77-62, consequently earning them a finals slot against the West Negros University (WNU) Mustangs.

With a crowd eager to see giants fall, the WNU Mustangs were clearly the hometown favorites. Although the game would seesaw with stellar performances from both squads, the blue and white protected an insurmountable lead, bannered by Justin Chua’s 22 points and nine rebounds and Tiongson’s commendable point play. At the end of regulation, the score read 76-62.

The Blue Eagles, without Coach Norman Black, managed the southern conquest under Coach Sandy Arespacochaga, as the former was busy training a vastly undermanned Sinag-Pilipinas team, after most of the Smart-Gilas national team opted to go pro and play in the PBA.

Tiongson, Chua and Capacio, along with Tonino Gonzaga and JP Erram, started for most of the tourney, with Team A regulars Frank Golla, Jeric Estrada, Bon Jovi Cipriano and Von Pessumal manning the bases.

As the team will have three open roster spots for next year, of high interest is the selection of players from Team Glory Be. Capacio has revealed that transferee Nico Elorde is a lock-in for Team A, and will be inserted to the official lineup, while a fourth open roster spot is likely as seven-foot beanpole Slaughter is still mulling his options, with the possibility of going pro clouding his intention of staying.

Among those called up from Team Glory Be are forward Paul Siarot, guard Joma Adornado and former Blue Eaglets regular, guard Marky Mercado, possibly foreshadowing Ateneo’s 5th man. Siarot is prized for his heart and hustle, Adornado for his immense scoring ability, and Mercado for his more-than-decent point play.

Another option is high school standout Kris Porter, who garnered a spot in the UAAP Season 74 Juniors’ Basketball Mythical Five. The return of Ryan Buenafe next season will also fill the vacancy left by the seniors.