A SOUR ending for the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ preseason journey as their late rally falls short against the Radford University Highlanders, 68-77, Sunday at the 2023 World University Basketball Series third-place match in Tokyo, Japan.
Three-point specialist Mason Amos led all scorers for Ateneo with 22 points while rookie Shawn Tuano dropped nine points and dished out five assists off the bench.
Right off the bat, the Blue Eagles failed to match Radford’s pace as Ateneo gave up open looks from the perimeter and struggled to close out the Highlanders’ inside attempts. The Katipunan-based team found themselves trailing by 12 at the end of the first quarter, 16-26.
The Blue Eagles then entered the second quarter with better poise, finding their footing on the offensive end by getting open looks down low. The Blue and White were able to trim the lead to four points, 25-29, until Radford was able to recover through their stifling defense and grow the lead back to a comfortable gap. Paired with a couple of missed baskets near the restricted area, Ateneo saw their deficit increase to 14 by the end of the first half, 31-45.
At the onset of the second half, the Blue Eagles strayed away from the paint and settled for the long ball in their attempt at a comeback. However, shots would not drop in Ateneo’s favor. Radford meanwhile continued their onslaught on the paint to extend their advantage to as much as 20. The Division 1 team finished the third canto maintaining their lead, 64-51.
In the final 10 minutes, Ateneo jump-started a final rally spearheaded by a hot-handed Amos from deep and a thunderous slam by Obasa to cut the lead to just six points, 62-68.
The Highlanders then disrupted the Philippines’ late surge with a couple of baskets from their frontcourt, Chandler Turner and Tray Pierce. Radford fended off the pesky white jerseys as they brought the lead back to 10 with a minute and 38 seconds left in the ballgame, 74-64.
Despite their best efforts at a last gasp, Ateneo placed fourth overall in the tournament after dropping today’s game, 68-77.
With their preseason journey coming to an end, the Blue Eagles will now rest and prepare for the upcoming University Athletics Association Philippines Season 86 tournament.
Quarter Score:
Ateneo-Radford: 16-26, 31-45, 51-64, 68-77.
