ATENEO BROKE loose from their early offensive trouble to beat the National University Bulldogs, 75-47, on August 1 at the Araneta Coliseum.
Ending the first quarter at 8-8, the Blue Eagles struggled in their scoring due to NU’s tight defense early in the game.
The defending champions gained momentum as conversions and defensive stops by sophomores Ryan Buenafe and Nico Salva opened the second canto. Midway through the quarter, Rabeh Al-Hussaini teamed up with Emman Monfort to spark an 11-0 blast as Ateneo held the Bulldogs to only four points in the second quarter, closing it at 30-12.
The Hail Mary Squad became more and more comfortable on the scoring front in the third canto, combining it with their choking defense led by senior Nonoy Baclao who made eight points and two blocks in just one quarter.
Safely ahead by as much as 38 points in the final quarter, Coach Norman Black made use of his reserves—fielding in Oping Sumalinog, Tonino Gonzaga, Justin Chua, and Vince Burke who all contributed a basket each, while rookie Frank Golla covered the team’s defense.
NU ace Melvin Baloran tried to redeem the Bulldogs with consecutive baskets towards the end of the game, but his efforts proved to be in vain as they ultimately succumbed to the Eagles, 75-47.
“Our well-balanced offense made us more difficult to stop,” said Black, as 13 of the 16 players he fielded in scored at least two points.
Monfort led the team with 12 markers off the bench, followed by Eric Salamat and Al-Hussaini who both put in 10 points.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles who now sport a 5-1 win-loss record will have their first hardcourt showdown this season with archrivals De La Salle Green Archers on August 9, Sunday, at the Araneta Coliseum.
