Photo by Mario T. Dagdag
A GAME that was meant to provide a gratifying cap to a historic weekend for the Ateneo De Manila University came uncomfortably close to a spoiled season debut for the three time defending champions.
While much fanfare has followed the recruitment of seven-foot Greg Slaughter and Blue Eaglet standout Kiefer Ravena, the hype did not translate into palatable support from the Blue and White Faithful, with a less than packed coliseum watching the Blue Eagles struggle to stave off the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 55-51, at the Araneta Coliseum last July 10.
The Blue Eagles were not shy in featuring Slaughter in his UAAP debut, giving him the ball in the post on each of the first three possessions, which he converted into two baskets and an assist to forward Nico Salva.
Despite the early offensive outburst, the game quickly fell into a defensive grind, with the familiarity of both sides’ playing styles taking its toll on the quality of offense showcased. Both sides limped into half-time break managing just 60 points between them.
Coach Leo Austria’s decision to run pick-and-roll plays for the rangy Roider Cabrera in the third quarter paid immediate dividends for the Adamson side. The move opened up the court for a barrage of long jumpers for Cabrera, Lester Alvarez and Alex Nuyles.
A tip-in by Lionel Manyara midway through the fourth quarter gave the Falcons their biggest lead of the game 51-44.
But Adamson’s decision to leave single coverage on Slaughter would cost them as the Smart Gilas big man constantly beat his defender in the post resulting in jump hooks and drawn fouls.
Ateneo drew level at 51 with a pair of free throws by Slaughter and then went on to take the lead after a fast break lay up by Kirk Long was altered by John Brondial, resulting in a goal-tending call.
While the officials converged to make a final ruling on the play, the Ateneo crowd finally showed signs of life beginning its traditional One Big Fight battle cry.
Fittingly, the game came down to a series of defensive stands as Slaughter denied Alvarez’s game tying lay-in before Emman Monfort picked off a pass and sealed the game at the line for the final score.
The Blue Eagles paltry 33.3% mark from the field was enough on this night as the Soaring Falcons managed an even poorer 26.6% on 64 attempts. Slaughter’s play buoyed the Eagles offensive production hitting 9 of his 14 shots and leading all scorers with 23 points. The addition of Slaughter also saw a markedly improved performance on the glass by the Katipunan side outrebounding the Falcons 42-34.
Of the game, Slaughter said, “[I’m] Very glad we got the win. We’ve prepared very well and for so long, I’m glad we got the win.”
“[It was] pretty much what I expected. We were the top two defensive teams [in Season 73]. Fortunately we had the option of dropping the ball to the post to Greg,” said Ateneo coach, Norman Black.
“What you have to understand is that Adamson is well coached, very talented and have us very well scouted out, just as we have them.”
The Blue Eagles next face the La Salle Green Archers on Saturday, July 16, 3:00 PM at the Araneta Colisium. The Green Archers lost their opening game to the FEU Tamaraws.
Box Score
Ateneo 55 – Slaughter 23, Long 10, Salva 8, Monfort 6, Erram 3, Gonzaga 3, Austria 2, Ravena 0, Tiongson 0, Sumalinog 0, Golla 0, Chua 0
Adamson 51 – Nuyles 11, Alvarez 8, Cañada 6, Camson 6, Cabrera 6, Manyara 5, Lozada 3, Etrone 2, Brondial 2, Colina 2
Quarter scoring: 16-12, 33-27, 43-44, 55-51
