THE ATENEO Blue Eagles capped off the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 Men’s 3×3 Basketball Tournament with an overall 0-3 win-loss record. The team’s final game against the defending champions University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers was held earlier today at the Casobe Aquaria in Calatagan, Batangas.
Despite going 0-2 on their first day of action, the Blue and White still had a chance to make the Final Four if the National University (NU) Bulldogs defeated UST later that evening. This opportunity was not acquired however as the defending champions were able to emerge victorious against the Bulldogs, 16-14, putting Ateneo out of semifinal contention.
Matchup versus UST
The Blue Eagles still aimed to finish the season on a high note when they squared off against UST. The game began with a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets within the first few minutes. In a nearly two-minute stretch, Kyle Ong hit three straight midrange jumpers to put Ateneo in front, 6-5.
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— Tristan A. Abuel (@Istan_TheGUIDON) May 4, 2023
Ong heats up from the midrange with a post-fade!
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Another heated exchange was seen, with the Blue Eagles answering every counter. UST’s Jamba Garing kept the defending champions afloat, giving UST a 9-8 advantage at the three-minute mark. The Growling Tiger would then score inside with a post move to give his team a 10-8 lead.
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— Tristan A. Abuel (@Istan_TheGUIDON) May 4, 2023
Garing with a post move
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With less than a minute left, the España-based crew hit two crucial shots behind the arc, followed by two more conversions to give UST a six-point lead, 14-8, with 16 seconds left. The Blue and White attempted to mount a comeback with JC Fetalvero nailing a two-pointer to cut the deficit to four, but a free throw by Garing would seal the deal for the defending champions, 15-11.
Kyle Ong led Ateneo in scoring with five points on 83.3% shooting from inside, along with seven rebounds. JC Fetalvero and Jynno Ladimo finished with three points each, and Ladimo emerged as the leading rebounder with eight boards.
In light of the three losses, Ladimo admitted that they were unable to maximize the opportunities they had, especially in late-game situations. Despite that, he acknowledged the team’s hard work despite the outcomes. “Everyone in the team fought and gave their all so kudos to the other players and to our coaches,” he shared.
The Blue Eagles finished 4th in Pool A, with UST topping the group with an undefeated 3-0 sweep, followed by the National University (NU) Bulldogs at 2 wins and 1 loss. The University of the East (UE) Red Warriors placed 3rd with a 1-2 win-loss record.
