DESPITE FIGHTING tooth and nail in their matches, both the Ateneo Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams ended the first day of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 3×3 Basketball Tournament without a win. Today’s contest was held at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in the City of Paranaque.
Junize Calago led the charge for the women’s team with seven points and 18 rebounds over the two games. At the same time, Javi Adevoso demonstrated a similarly remarkable performance, tallying 14 markers throughout the day.
Women’s Tournament
The Katipunan-based squad began the day with a deflating loss to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Lady Tigresses, ending the game with a score of 5-21. UST’s efficient and balanced attack of Ana Tacatac, Reynalyn Ferrer, Kent Pastrana, and Rocel Dionisio tallied points at a 57.1% field clip.
Despite their trying attempts, the Blue Eagles struggled to convert their eight shots beyond the line. As a result of their dismal performance from the perimeter, Ateneo only shot 21.7% from the field, allowing the Lady Tigresses to quickly secure victory with around two and a half minutes still to play, 5-21.
Looking to turn the tides, Ateneo engaged with the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws for their final match of the day. However, the Blue Eagles fell short as they dropped their second consecutive game, 15-21.
The Blue and White showcased an impressive perimeter game, boasting a total field goal percentage of 46.4%. However, the Morayta cagers countered with strong paint scoring that gave them the early advantage in the match.
Despite attempts to stave off their opponents, the Blue Eagles conceded crucial second-chance opportunities, leaving the team with no answers to the Lady Tamaraws’ increasing point advantage. The series of blunders ultimately culminated in a final score of 15-21 in favor of FEU.
Men’s Tournament
On the men’s side, the Ateneo Blue Eagles dropped their opening match against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons with a final score of 15-21.
UP veteran Harold Alarcon led his team to victory with a total contribution of 12 points and 7 rebounds.
The Blue and White focused on seizing an advantage by banking their shots from inside the paint. The Katipunan-based squad then sought to keep up their momentum by further capitalizing on defensive gambits to keep their adversaries at bay.
However, despite their attempts to level the playing field, Ateneo struggled to overcome UP’s relentless drives to the rim, closing the match with a six-point loss.
For the final game of the day, the Blue Eagles faltered against the UST Growling Tigers after failing to contain Nic Cabanero. The Growling Tiger scored nine points at an efficient 70% from the field, much to the frustration of the Katipunan-based squad.
Even with Adevoso scoring eight points, the Blue Eagles were unsuccessful in scratching more points on the scoreboard, giving UST more opportunities to score. Capitalizing on Ateneo’s weak interior defense, the Growling Tigers connected their shots, helping them hold on to a four-point cushion en route to a 21-15 victory.
Eager to capture their first victory, both teams will return to court tomorrow for another exciting day of basketball action. The Men’s Team will face the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors and National University (NU) Bulldogs, while the Women’s Team will take on the NU Lady Bulldogs and UE Lady Warriors.
All games will take place tomorrow starting at 2:00 P.M., in the same venue.
Men’s Standings (W-L)
- AdU Soaring Falcons (2-0)
- DLSU Green Archers (2-0)
- NU Bulldogs (1-1)
- UST Growling Tigers (1-1)
- UP Fighting Maroons (1-1)
- FEU Tamaraws (1-1)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (0-2)
- UE Red Warriors (0-2)
Women’s Standings (W-L)
- UST Lady Tigresses (2-0)
- DLSU Lady Archers (2-0)
- UP Fighting Maroons (1-1)
- NU Lady Bulldogs (1-1)
- FEU Lady Tamaraws (1-1)
- ADU Lady Falcons (1-1)
- UE Lady Warriors (0-2)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (0-2)
