In what has become a recent trend, the Ateneo Blue Eagles controlled the first three quarters, but, for the third straight game, let their opponents catch up in the fourth.  However, an upset was not in the cards as they managed to hold off the Philippine Maritime Merchant School (PMMC), 71-64, in the Father Martin Cup on May 11 at the San Beda Gym.

After racing off to an early lead, Ateneo once again was unable to pull away from their opponents, never building a lead greater than 16 points, despite their technical advantage over the Mariners. While PMMC’s physical defense bothered the Blue Eagles’ drives in the lane, the Mariners put themselves in the penalty situation in the early quarters. Ateneo, however, was uncharacteristically unable to capitalize, shooting a dismal 65% from the line heading into the final quarter.

Going into the fourth quarter, the Mariners trimmed down the deficit to a manageable 11 points. PMMC used a late barrage of three pointers to cut the lead to four, 68-64, with 52 seconds remaining. Fortunately, the clock was on the Eagles’ side as they redeemed themselves with timely free throw shooting, finally put the game away.

With the win, Ateneo remains in second place in Group A of the tournament with a 5-1 record, the loss coming from group leader Far Eastern University.  The team plays its final game of the elimination round on Thursday, May 13.  The game would be Ateneo’s last before the team flies to Las Vegas for their annual pre-season training on May 15.

Score by Quarters: 19-10, 34-26, 52-49, 71-64