GOING UNBEATEN in their last four games of the FilOil Preseason Premier Cup, the Ateneo Blue Eagles were dealt a narrow defeat by the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) Altas, 60-59, on Wednesday, June 14 at the FilOil Flying V Arena.
Sophomore guard Mike Nieto topped the stats with 14 points and 2 rebounds, looking strong from the three-point line with 3/6 made from beyond the arc. Despite the close scoreline, lackluster offense characterized the greater part of the game for the Blue Eagles, with the Ateneo side recording 31% field goal percentage compared to the Altas’ 43%.
Progress was slow early in the game, as the Blue Eagles struggled to find their composure on the court against a pesky and defensive UPHSD squad. Taking advantage of an onslaught of turnovers, the Altas took the lead after the first quarter, entering the second period ahead at 18-10.
Rookie forward Troy Mallillin made an instant impact upon stepping onto the floor in the second quarter, nailing a triple that shifted some momentum to the Blue Eagles’ side. UPHSD’s defensive energy bannered by center Prince Eze spelled trouble for Ateneo, but timely shots from Anton Asistio and Matt Nieto managed to cut the deficit to 28-25 by the end of the first half.
Having shot just 28% of their field goals and grabbing only 14 boards, the Blue Eagles looked shaky and failed to find steady offensive rhythm in the third quarter as tensions continually rose on the court. A scuffle between Matt Nieto and Genmar Ylagan ended with a heated exchange of words, and the Blue Eagles ended the third quarter trailing at 48-36.
Down by the widest deficit all game, the Blue Eagles came alive in the fourth quarter, sparking a comeback from three-point territory in an attempt to save the game. Last-ditch heroics breathed new life into the team, as triples from Jawuan White, Mike Nieto, and Isaac Go held up a 12-2 run that narrowed the gap to 50-44.
Back and forth action brought the score to 59-57 with 18 seconds left on the clock, forcing Ateneo to foul UPHSD’s Flash Sadiwa in penalty to change possession, making it a 60-57 game. The Blue Eagles were then gifted with a golden opportunity as Tyler Tio was sent to the free throw line, but two out of three charities failed to knot the match, giving the Altas the victory at 60-59.
Bumped backwards to a 4-3 win-loss record, the Blue Eagles play their last game of the elimination round against the San Beda Red Lions on Friday, June 16 at 5PM.
Quarter Scores: 10-18, 25-28, 36-48, 59-60
Ateneo: Mike Nieto – 14, Mendoza – 8, Go – 7, Ravena – 6, White – 6, Mallillin – 5, Matt Nieto- 5, Asistio – 3, Tio – 2, Ikeh – 2, Andrade – 1, Tolentino – 0, Porter – 0, Black – 0, Verano – 0
UPHSD: Eze – 18, Sadiwa – 16, Coronel – 12, Yuhico – 5, Ylagan – 3, Singontiko – 2, Pido – 2, Clemente – 2, Lucente – 0, Tamayo – 0, Mangalino – 0, Casas – 0
