BANKING ON their superior depth, the Ateneo Blue Eagles pounded the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals, 89-73, earlier today at the Moro Lorenzo Wellness and Sports Center in Quezon City.
This victory puts the Blue Eagles at a 3-1 win-loss slate for second place in Group A of the preseason tournament.
Divine Adili and Kymani Ladi spearheaded the offensive charge, combining for 41 points with their 21 and 20 markers respectively. Kyle Gamber also produced 15 points capped by his 4/6 shooting from deep. Meanwhile, Josh Lazaro handled the boards for the Blue and White as he grabbed 12 of Ateneo’s 46 rebounds.
Coming off a tough loss against archrivals De La Salle Green Archers, the Blue Eagles were eager to bounce back in today’s contest against EAC. However, Ateneo initially struggled to find rhythm in their half-court sets, while their adversaries came out firing from long range, keeping the game tight at 18-15.
After analyzing their opponent’s offense, the Blue and White made quicker rotations along with more assertive rebounding—which worked to their advantage. With their tactical adjustments, the Katipunan-based unit ended the first quarter on a quick run highlighted by a Shawn Tuano and-one, 25-18.
Looking to extend their lead to double digits in the second canto, the Blue Eagles relied on their floor general, Jared Bahay, to feed their open shooters. Coming from an inbounds pass, Bahay broke the EAC press for a Kyle Gamber triple, giving Ateneo a 10-point lead, 30-20. With momentum on their side, the Katipunan-based squad translated their offensive exploits into the defensive side of the floor with good rotations.
Continuing his distribution of the ball, Bahay shuffled out a clever one-handed pass for a Divine Adili breakaway slam, extending Ateneo’s margin to 41-24. With Ateneo’s offense in full swing, Head Coach Tab Baldwin utilized an Ian Espinosa-Bahay pairing in the backcourt that generated great pick and roll plays to shrewdly end the first half, 47-32.
The determined Generals welcomed Ateneo in the second half with a quick 5-0 run, triggered by a Kyle Ochavo three and a Wilmar Oftana bucket from below the rim. Quick on his feet, Adili impeded EAC’s efforts and bombarded the Generals with a solo 7-0 blitz courtesy of his prowess in the paint, 54-37.
EAC responded with a masterful 14-3 run, pioneered by Nico Quiñal’s 10 points, six of which came from beyond the arc. This sudden salvo eventually brought the Generals to within striking distance, 57-51, threatening the Blue Eagles’ faltering defense.
Despite the Generals’ formidable third-quarter outburst, Josh Lazaro, Divine Adili, and Ladi took command in the interior with a 9-1 counter blitz to give Ateneo a double-digit lead as the frame concluded, 66-52.
Eager to bury the Generals deeper into the trenches, Ateneo started the last frame with a swift 6-0 run with a Kyle Gamber-three and an Adili and-one, pushing the lead back to 20, 72-52. EAC briefly tightened up on defense and searched for an offensive spark, but their efforts were ultimately insufficient.
As both teams tweaked their offensive plays and defensive schemes for the stretch run, Ateneo’s firepower continued to shine through, spoiling any hopes of a Generals comeback.
The Generals finally ran out of steam as the Blue Eagles’ game-sealing 6-1 run put the game away for good, 89-73.
Ateneo’s volume and efficiency were notably key in the outcome, as the Blue Eagles’ 46.4% shooting from the field in 69 tries eclipsed EAC’s 43.3% rate in 60 attempts.
Speaking on the squad’s victory and his adjustment to the team, Ladi says, “I’m not really satisfied with the overall play. Adjusting to this new team has been amazing and has been a journey so far. I’m ready to work and ready to win this championship.”
Keen on keeping their momentum going, the Blue Eagles will face the Philippine Christian University–Dasmariñas Dolphins on Saturday, April 12, at 10:00 AM in University of the East Gym in Manila.
Box scores:
Ateneo (89): Adili – 21, Ladi – 20, Gamber – 15, Ebdane – 15, Espinosa – 7, Tuano – 7, Lazaro – 4
EAC (73): Quiñal – 22, Bagay – 12, Shanoda – 7, Tolentino – 7, Oftana – 6, Angeles – 6, Bacud – 5, Ochavo – 4, Omandac – 3, Postanes – 1
Quarter scores:
Ateneo-EAC: 25-18, 47-32, 66-52, 89-73
Current Standings (W-L):
- DLSU Green Archers (2-0)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (3-1)
- SBU Red Lions (2-1)
- EAC Generals (1-2)
- UE Red Warriors (1-2)
- SCC Saints (0-2)
- PCU-D Dolphins (0-1)