Coming into the championship of the 70th season of the Juniors division of the UAAP, the Ateneo Blue Eaglets were favored to win the title. Unfortunately, they fell into the trap of engaging the DLS-Z Junior Archers to a war of words on who is better instead of the war on the court. As a result, the Junior Archers upset the Blue Eaglets in game 1 and wrapped up the series in Game 2. This year, the same scenario was in place as the Blue Eaglets once again found their way on top of the elimination round and then beat the Adamson Baby Falcons to barge into the finals. The lessons of the past are still in the minds of the Blue Eaglets, JV Dumrique is still feeling the pressure of his finals meltdown last year together with Juami Tiongson who was at the forefront of last year’s campaign. This year is different, focus was the key to the team as they used their experience to ram the FEU – FERN Baby Tamaraws 71-60 to win the 14th UAAP Juniors title for the Ateneo High School.
Chucky Dumrique's speed will be what AHS studes will await next year
As expected, the game was only close during the first few minutes of the first quarter. Although the Baby Tams opened the scoring in the fisrt quarter, JV Dumrique immediately waxed hot as he scored 11 of the first 15 points of the Blue Eaglets. JV drove to the hoop without any hesitation, scored on a jumper, a three pointer and on two free throws in a display of firepower reminiscent of his SBP days. Game 1's MVP Ivan Enriquez added four points in this quarter as he established his presence in the paint once again. At the end of the first quarter, the Blue Eaglets have made their run and is poised to win the title again as they led the Baby Tamaraws 22-16 after 10 minutes of play.
Kiefer Ravena has two more years with the Blue Eaglets
The Baby Tamaraws on the other hand used the second quarter to come back to the game. Lou Bautista started the scoring parade with a three pointer followed by Five straight points by Chris Tolomia and a free throw by Chino Almario. In a wink of an eye the FEU Baby Tamaraws were already ahead 25-24 thanks to the offensive burst by Chris Tolomia. The Blue Eaglets battle back as sophomore sensation Kiefer Ravena scored on the drive and off a steal with a foul to boot. This was followed by baskets by the two Paolo's, Romero and Pe which gave the Blue Eaglets some breathing room to lead 33-25 with two minutes and fifty seconds to go. JV Dumrique closed the half with two free throws as the Eaglets went to the dug out with a 39-30 lead.
Ivan the Terrible shows them how to howl
Getting the positive energy of their "Kuyas" who came to watch them, the fired up Blue Eaglets now started their onslaught as they opened the first five minutes of the quarter with an 11-5 run to give the Blue Eaglets a commanding 50-35 lead with 5:50 to play in the quarter. This time it was Juami Tiongson's time to wax hot as he scattered 10 points in this quarter after he sank two three pointers plus two more field goals to lead the Blue Eaglets to their biggest lead of the game at 60-39. From then on it was an uphill climb for the Baby Tamaraws since they had a hard time sustaining their second quarter salvo. The quarter ended with the Blue Eaglets comfortably ahead 60-44.
Two Titles in three years for these Seniors
Team Captain JV Dumrique and Kiefer Ravena teamed up to give the Blue Eaglets the needed scoring sock as they combined for 9 of the Blue Eaglets 11 4th quarter points to enable the team to just coast by after the BabyTamaraws tried for one final heave to turn the rout into a game. Chris Tolomia scored 10 points in this quarter but it was not enough as the help he needed from his team mates never came and all they can do was put the lead down to a respectable level. In the end the Blue Eaglets prevailed by 11 points and the first double championship in 32 years is now a reality.
A fitting finale for the season, Finals MVP JV Dumrique
JV Dumrique was adjudged as the finals MVP as his steadiness in the clutch helped the Blue Eaglets in making sure that this one will not slip away. The Blue Eaglets learned a lot from their loss to the Junior Archers, at the same time they also learned a great big deal in their first round loss to the same team, the first time DLS-Z has won three straight against the boys in Blue. Come the 2nd round the Blue Eaglets were all business as they secured the top spot enroute to the finals. The four seniors would have made it a grand slam but unfortunately it wasn't meant to be.
The last time an Ateneo team won the Juniors and Seniors in the same year was in 1976 when the Blue Eagles were still in the NCAA. Congratulations to the Blue Eaglets and to Coach Jamike Jarin. Kudos too to the graduating seniors JV Dumrique, Ivan Enriquez, Kevnin Gamboa and Juami Tiongson. On to the next level.
The 71st UAAP season for Men's Basketball has just ended and since the UAAP has handed out its trophies for the best performers of the year, I myself would like to give out awards on the best performers for the categories I chose. Let me just remind you that in th spirit of fun and sportsmanship this entry is just for fun. So let's get the ball rolling.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
VINCE BURKE - ADMU
Need not worry about Sophomore jinx because rookie year was a total washout. From now on everything that he will contribute will be a bonus for the Ateneo Community.
APPETON FAN OF THE GAME
Former DLSU Center CARLO SHARMA for applauding Ateneo Center Rabah Al-Husaini, his half brother, for winning the MVP. We commend him for not influencing Rabah to join the Green Archers.
SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
LA REVILLA - DLSU
He has since mellowed down and hopefully prove that he is more than a finger - gun toting rookie.
MVP
MOST VLOCKED PLAYER
JAMES MANGAHAS - DLSU
To be awarded by his suki, Nonoy Baclao
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
MARKO BATRICEVIC - DLSU
Three years with the Green Archers and he has yet to reach his full potential, or will he ever reach it? Look at his stats.
2006 - Did not play (we know why)
2007- Injured before the start of the season, DNP whole season
2008 - 5 games, 42 minutes, 9 points, 8 rebounds, just one turnover and 11 fouls, a big improvement from the previous year.
COACH OF THE YEAR:
FRANZ PUMAREN - DLSU
There is never a year without any controversy
The ID Issue,
School over Country,
Worst Officiated finals and
Awarding snub.
Its a good thing that he is a great coach, as they say even coaches have their problems and these are the things that make or break your school's reputation.
KFC COURT GENERAL
RICO MAIERHOFER - DLSU
ITS FINGER LICKIN GOOD
MYTHICAL FIVE
The scouting report that said that they are good
and will have a breakout season are all MYTHS
CENTER
MIKE GALINATO - ADAMSON
Does anyone know where he is now or what happened to his Falcons? As his name was forgotten, so was the inside presence of the Falcons which floundered after most teams figured out how to stop him.
POWER FORWARD
MARKO BATRICEVIC - DLSU
No Picture Available
If anyone has a picture of Marko playing in the UAAP, I believe he can sell it at a very hefty price since Marko has been with the Green Archers for three years and has played only 5 games in the UAAP.
SMALLFORWARD
KHASIM MIRZA - UST
Reportedly a shooter...reportedly still in the UAAP...For all he is worth, he never really did made an impact this year.
OFFENSIVE GUARD
BADER MALABES - DLSU
If only he would concentrate more in playing basketball rather
than focus on other things not related to the game like taunting.
POINT GUARD
KIRK LONG - ADMU
Like this picture, Kirk Long's shooting disappered this year and I hope that he reediscovers his shooting touch.
He is also the recepient of the
DAVID COPPERFIELD AWARD
His disappearing act caused panic for a lot of supporters Hope he gains more confidence and come back strong next year.
PSBANK MAAASAHAN AWARD
ARANETA COLISEUM BOUNCERS
Asahan mong hindi ka makakapasok sa loob ng court..asa ka pa!!!
One trait that we Filipinos have in common is our knack to blame someone orsomething as the culprit so that we can escape whatever deed we did wrong.bviously we Filipinos are very emotional when it comes to basketball moreso if we support a team in the UAAP. First things first, I really believe that NABRO does not deserve the rep that their refs have. It is always at the back of the minds of every UAAP spectator that NABRO is the worst group of referees. Well let’s say if that’s true then who do we replace them with? Our NAASCU referees are far worse on their best day against a NABRO ref on his worst. Let’s just wait for our hosts next year to figure it out. Remember, we spectators are just spectators and are not in front of the players when they commit fouls, or such. I believe that the competency of these refs have improved and hopefully improve more in the future.
DLSU Coach Franz Pumaren said that the 2008 Finals had the worst officiating that he has ever seen. For once I might agree but then again, we all know that it was just an excuse so that his team and school can blame another entity for robbing them of the championship and not themselves. DLSU came out of the finals a different team, in both games the Archers employed a thump and bump system that the referees I believe were very lenient with. In game 1 alone, they only called fouls which made the Eagles lose their balance or some very obvious ones. Game 2 was something different. Pumaren argued a controversial call on Rico Fingerhofer which threw him out of the game. That’s two technical fouls on him of the same nature. Two technical fouls??? Remember his first technical foul was because he was taunting Nonoy Baclao, so why blame the second when he was guilty of having a first technical. If Rico was as cool and composed as JV Casio and kept his mind on his game rather than taunt every Eagle on court then I believe that he could have not been whistled for those two T’s. I really think that the Archers came out with so much angst in them that taunting Rabah Al-Husaini, Eric Salamat, Nonoy Baclao and Ryan Buenafe was a part of their game plan. Their thump and bump play and fired them up but they were not men enough to face the consequences of their actions since they will always have the referees to blame.
Lastly, in Game 1 Chris Tiu was called for two quick fouls that got him out of the game early and he never got his game going and just got two points. Well, instead of sulking the Blue Eagles found other ways to score and win. In game 2 Rabah was called for two fouls in the fist two minutes of the game and resurfaced in the third quarter. Ryan Buenafe was bumped and taunted by Bader Malabes and his reaction merited a technical foul. This one happened right in front of me and I believe Bader succeeded with his plan of getting the ire of Ryan. Although Norman argued these calls he did not let the officiating get into him. DLSU had the GOLDEN chance to take advantage of that but they failed to capitalize on it. When Rabah went to the bench the Eagles raised their level of play which paved the way for shock troopers like Mike Baldos and Jobe Nkemakolam to combine for twelve points between as the Eagles ended the half with a 15 point lead. When Rico and subsequently JV went out the Archers scored only four points in the fourth quarter. James Mangahas who was suppose to be their third option was afraid to take the shot with Nonoy Baclao in front of him, PJ Barua just threw the ball whenever he got it, Bader Malabes just followed Barua's example and Simon Atkins became an offensive liability. On the other hand, PJ Walsham had a good best Carlo Sharma imitation and scored the only four points of DLSU in the 4th Quarter. A lot of Coaches said that Basketball is a game of reaction and adjustment, we always have to adjust to what the other team is doing and eventually to how the referees call the game. Unfortunately, we Filipinos have always someone to blame when things don’t go our way, fortunately that is not the Ateneo way! To make matters worse, a boycott of the awarding just shows how classy one team can be. As Filipinos we all have our priorities, but to some school comes first, then country and the example that they showed will definitely be justified by their community and I don’t blame them for that.
For more on this just read these articles from veteran sports writers of the Manila Bulletin:
I changed the link to this multiply journal entry by my friend Jol Espiritu-Cruel
Jai Reyes got the ball and dribbled the length of the court and his last halfcourt heave did not even touch the ring as the Eagles lose the championship after winning game 1….Chris Tiu did not play in the final two minutes of the game and JV Casio took over as the de La Salle Green Archers beat the Ateneo Blue Eagles...
These were the things that were on the minds of the Ateneo Blue Eagles going into game 2 of the UAAP Championships as their experience in the 2006 Finals against the UST Tigers and the Final Four loss to DLSU last year helped them come up with the right frame of mind, intensity and firepower which was a fitting climax to what can be described as a near perfect season for the men in Blue. As Coach Norman Black said, “We know what we are up against, and we know they are capable of coming back!” That was the mindset of the Blue Eagles and it was enough motivation for them to focus on and not be rattled in every move that the men in green would do. The Ateneo Blue Eagles took the title from the defending UAAP champions, the De La Salle Green Archers in game 2 of the Best of three series as they eked out a 62-51 win to give Ateneo its fourth UAAP Men’s Senior Basketball championship. The victory was a great send off to one of the best clutch shooters in Ateneo history, team Captain Chris Tiu and his sparring mate and co-captain Yuri Escueta.
Ferdinand did not score again after taunting the Ateneo crowd
For the first time this season the de La Salle Green Archers started strong as Bader Malabes and Ferdinand scored the first four points of the game in the wake of the leech like defense of the thump and bump La Salle team. The Blue Eagles were forced to four early turnovers by the vaunted La Salle defense and were hard press to adjust. As a result of the taunting, Ryan Buenafe was whistled a technical foul which added another free throw to their score courtesy of JV Casio, DLSU was no up 5-0.With still 7:47 left in the first quarter nothing was going Ateneo’s way, and to make matters worse, newly awarded UAAP Season 71 MVP Rabah Al-Husaini was whistled for his second personal foul. This prompted Coach Norman Black to send Nonoy Baclao in right away who opened up the scoring for the Blue Eagles as he dumped a three pointer to beat the shot clock with 7:23 left. Simon Atkins answered on the other end with a three point shot of his own that gave the Green Archers an 8-3 lead. Then Chris Tiu, Ryan Buenafe, Mike Baldos, Jobe Nkemakolam and Bacon Austria took turns to score as the five men came to the rescue as the rest of the Eagles showed what stuff they are made off when they uncorked a 13-2 bomb to take the upperhand 16-10 at the end of the first quarter. After settling down on the wake of the La Salle intense start, the Blue Eagles held the Green Archers to just one field goal in the last 7 minutes of the first quarter.
Mike Baldos pushed and shoved
and scored 6 points against the DLSU Big men
The second quarter started with the league MVP on the bench with two fouls, that was the cue that Chris Tiu needed to come out with his A-game as he displayed a shooting clinic. Chris scored seven straight points in a span of thirty seconds. Tiu started by shooting two free throws off a technical foul on Rico Maierhofer for taunting Nonoy Baclao. He followed that up with a three point shot on their ball possession and scored again on a bank shot off a screen. In a wink of an eye the Blue Eagles were suddenly up by ten 27-17 which prompted Coach Franz Pumaren to call a timeout. The Green Archers got going with two three pointers courtesy of JV Casio and Hyram Bagatsing. Unfortunately for them, the Blue Eagles found another unlikely hero as Jobe Nkemakolam scored six points while the rest of the team chipped in to help the Warlock as the Blue Eagles raced to a 41-26 halftime lead. The Blue Eagles had an impressive 70% scoring clip in the second quarter as they showed that even if Rabah is sitting on the bench they can still have other people to carry the scoring load.
Jobe got 8 points on 4 of 4 shooting in 9 minutes
It’s JV Casio’s last year with the Green Archers and for him he has made ways to score as evidenced in the last game after he scored a measly five points in their second round encounter. Together with the rest of the Green Archers JV led his team to another round of non stop pressure defense as the third quarter started with him sinking his second three pointer. After converting JV stole the ball from Jai Reyes and he fed off a cutting Rico Maierhoffer who scored on a lay up to give the Green Archers five straight points in less than 30 seconds. In an instant the 15 point Ateneo lead vanished into thin air. JV was on fire as he teamed up with LA Revilla and James Mangahas to cut the 41-26 lead to just three after three quarters 50-47 as Casio sank three triples. The Ateneo relied on Rabah AL-Husaini who scored 7 of the Blue Eagles 9 third quarter points.
Ateneo adjusted when Rabah got into foul trouble
DLSU faultered when Rico went out
One important development that happened was the ejection of Rico Maierhofer who was whistled for his second technical foul with 1:31 to go in the third quarter. According to the referees Rico allegedly pointed a dirty finger to Rabah which is an act of taunting according to the referees. He was whistled with the same infraction in the first quarter that threw him out of the game. The banishment of Rico cut the life out of the La Salle rally and all things went downward from thereon.
Nonoy Baclao is Season 71's Finals MVP
If the first two quarters showed that Ateneo can be awesome, the fourth quarter was a test of wills as the Blue Eagles went 0 of 8 from the field in the first 7 and a half minutes. On the other hand, they also shut down the Green Archers as they gave only a solitary field goal to the Green Archers in 11 attempts as both teams played ugly ball. The only bright spot for the Blue Eagles was their free throw shooting which started with Chris Tiu nailing three straight free throws after Bader Malabes fouled him while taking a three point shot. Those free throws gave the Blue Eagles more breathing space as they took a 53-47 lead. The Green Archers were still pretty much in the game even after Nonoy Baclao scored on a free throw for a 55-49 Ateneo lead with 3:02 left. Unfortunately for them and with 2:50 left in the game, JV Casio was whistled for an offensive foul which was his fifth and Casio was sent to the bench permanently, and together with him was DLSU’s hopes of back to back titles which went with the floods of Taft Avenue. If Ateneo scored only 9 third quarter points, Ateneo returned the favor by limiting the Green Archers to 4 fourth quarter points.
Rabah was out of sync but Ateneo still won
The most pivotal play of the game came when Nonoy Baclao got his fifth offensive rebound as he kept the ball alive again and passed the ball to Jai Reyes who in turn scored the second field goal of the team in the fourth quarter that gave Ateneo a commanding 59-49 with only 1:21 left in the game. With still plenty of time left, the Blue Eagles in the bench put on their Champion Shirts and Caps as the 4th quarter defensive dominance of the Blue Eagles showed once again with DLSU missing their last 5 shots which gave Ateneo its fourth Title in the UAAP.
"Ang Sarap Maging Atenista"
In the end, the Green Archers relied too much on Casio and Maierhofer and nobody stepped up big when the two were out. The Archers were 19 of 68 from the field or 27.9 %. They were 10 of 32 from beyond the Arc but were just 3 of 8 from the free throw line. In contrast, the Blue Eagles were 21 of 45 (46.7 %), 18 of 28 (64.3%) from the stripe but was just 2 of 14 (14.3%) from beyond the arc.Nonoy Baclao was declared the finals MVP for he was the only consistent force in the two games. This time around he got 8 points, 10 rebounds and 4 block shots as he anchored the Ateneo defense which was impenetrable by ALL Green Archers.
Oping : This one's for you Rico!
This is the first time that the Ateneo won a UAAP title with a non rookie coach. The 1987 Team - Cris Calilan , 1988 – Fritz Gaston, 2002 – Joel Banal were all rookie Coaches when they won their titles while Coach Norman is now in his fourth year . At the same time, the 16-1 record of the Blue Eagles this season is the best ever in Ateneo history.It surpasses the 14-1 season of the 1987 team (there was no final four then and ADMU was twice to beat then) and the 15-1 season of the 1976 NCAA Champion team (13-1 eliminations plus sweep of best of three). This marked also the third time in the UAAP that Ateneo has beaten DLSU in a championship match with the last two coming with DLSU as the defending champions. Like what Chris Tiu said, the best feeling is beating the defending Champions.
Thanks for the memories Chris Thanks Coach Norman
ONE BIG FIGHT FOR
THE 2008, UAAP MEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS,
THE ATENEO BLUE EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The scores:
Ateneo (62 )
Tiu 16, Baclao 8, Nkemakolam 8, Al-Hussaini 7, Baldos 6, Buenafe 5, Reyes 5, Salamat 3, Austria 2, Escueta 2.
STOP Rabah Al-Husaini and Chris Tiu! This was the battlecry of the de La Salle Green Archers as the defending champions covered the two Ateneo stars with everything they had and somewhat succeeded with limiting the Ateneo Team captain to just two points.Unfortunately for them, Chris played decoy most of the game as MVP candidate Rabah Al-Husaini showed why he is called the Rabeh-lation as he scored 31 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead the Ateneo Blue Eagles to a 69-61 win over their arch rival and defending champion de La Salle Green Archers.
The Blue Eagles trooped to the court with Black warm ups with a big letter A in front and the number 24 at the back. This shirt is a tribute to Coach Norman Black who wore that number as a player.The highly anticipated match featured the contrasting defensive philosophies of both teams and the usual angst that goes with every Ateneo – La Salle ball game. Coach Norman has won championships with his half court defensive style while Coach Franz has pocketed a lot of UAAP Titles with his full court pressure defense in full throttle. The game saw both teams employ their defensive philosophies but the key factor was the adjustment that Ateneo made in handling the pressure defense of La Salle taht led to their win.
Ryan Buenafe started the ball rolling as his first attempt to the basket found the bottom of the net.Then the Eagles were forced to three turnovers before Ryan found Rabah free under the basket after getting the offensive rebound.Then DLSU came back with JVee Casio but unfortunately with 6:15 left the Green Archers were whistled for their 4th Team foul.James Mangahas, the third scorer in the Green Archer’s offense had two fouls and was benched by Coach Franz.Ryan Buenafe carried the offensive load for the Blue Eagles in the first quarter as he added two free throws and a three pointer. The feeling your opponent mode was evident in the first quarter as Rabah missed a lot of shots as he was triple teamed and made to shoot outside his comfort zone.The Blue Eagles took the first quarter with a 15-12 lead after Mike Baldos followed up a three point miss by Eric Salamat. Unfortunately the Blue Eagles had 8 turnovers and Chris Tiu and Nonoy Baclao was whistled for two personal fouls.
The second quarter started with Jai Reyes nailing a three pointer.Jai teamed up with Rabah Al-Huisaini and Ryan Buenafe to stem the tide for the Blue Eagles. Jai's field goal came at the 7:02 mark which shows that both teams defended well as DLSU forced Ateneo to three turnovers before that shot. The triumvirate more than made up for the slack that Chris Tiu left because of his foul trouble.
Rabah and Ryan kept the Blue Eagles on top as the two combined for 12 points since Chris Tiu was benched the entire second quarter. With Tiu on the bench, the Green Archers came back from an 23-18 deficit to a 29-26 lead which was predicated on the Green Archers press that JVCasio took advantage as he stripped Yuri Escueta of the ball and scored on him plus a foul to boot.The Blue Eagles were not rattled with that DLSU comeback as they uncorked a 10-0 bomb that started with Kirk Long and Ryan Buenafe’s five free throws. Rabah then scored on the fastbreak and the quarter ended with Ryan Buenafe passing the ball to Jai Reyes who sank another three pointer to give the Blue Eagles a 36-29 lead at the half.
As mentioned, the game is a contrast of defensive strategies as the Green Archers forced the Blue Eagles to 15 first half turnovers that gave the Greenies 11 pts off those turnovers. On the other hand, theBlue Eagles forced the Green Archers to take bad shots as evidenced by the 24% field goal percentage ofDLSU as they shot 8 of 25. Ryan Buenafe scored 12 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished out 5 assists in the first half.
The third quarter started with Rabah Al Husaini flexing his muscle as the wily center scored 4 straight points after DLSU gave him only one Archer to cover him. There was color that brewed in this quarter as Eric Salamat and James Mangahas were each whistled with technical fouls after Eric fouled Mangahas on a fastbreak. After that skirmish Mangahas was whistled for his fourth foul which was an offensive foul that brought him back to the DLSU bench.On the other end,Rabah drove to the basket, missed the shot but Nonoy Baclao was there to follow up the miss and Ateneo surged ahead with a 42-32 lead. DLSU sues for time and responds with a JV Casio three point play.The big story of the third quarter was the 12 points of Rabah Al Husaini who was a man possessed when he scored on a three point play to give the Blue Eagles their biggest lead of the ball game 51-37. He reacquainted the Green Archers about the fact that in College basketball, the word Rabah means unstoppable! Unfortunately, after that three point play, he was whistled for an unsportsmanlike foul which the Green Archers capitalized on by scoring three points. The Green Archers forced another BLue Eagle bad shot which paved the way for a JV Casio three pointer to put the lead down to 8, 51-43. Rabah then took matters into his own hands once again as he scored four points to give Ateneo a 55-45 lead at the end of the third canto.
The fourth quarter started defensively once again, both teams had a hard time getting points until Bader Malabes scored four straight points. The stingy DLSU defense was so effective that Ateneo scored its first basket with 5:50 remaining by who else but Rabah Al-HUsaini. The Green Archers vaunted fourth quarter come back was checked by the Blue Eagles as Nonoy Baclao took over defensively. The team game of the Blue Eagles came into play as Rabah got the points, Chris and Ryan the assists plus rebounds for Ryan while Nonoy took care of the block shots. Just ask James Mangahas and Rico Maiefhoffer who most probably are still feeling the effects of the human flyswatter. Rabah capped his game long brilliance by scoring another eight points in the payoff quarter as the Blue Eagles doused cold water on the final fourth quarter comeback of the Green Archers to take Game 1 of the best of three series.
Eric Salamat and Chris Tiu never really got their games going as both players were saddled with fouls and just scored two points each. Ryan Buenafe and Jai Reyes stepped up big time as the two scored 12 points each to offset the scoring woes of Chris and Eric.Rabah scored the most points of a Blue Eagle in a championship eclipsing the mark set by LA Tenorio who scored 30 points in game 3 of the 2001 championship. Nonoy Baclao stamped his class as he blocked 7 shots in the game. Game time for Game two is 4pm at the Araneta Coliseum. Get ready for the Ateneo Bonfire..it's coming soon.
ATENEO (69)
Al-Husaini 31, Buenafe 12, Reyes 12, Baclao 5, Long 3, Tiu 2, Salamat 2, Baldos 2, Austria 0, Escueta 0, Nkemakolam 0, Salva 0,
When the Ateneo Blue Eaglets won the Juniors Title back in 2006, Juami Tiongson, JV Dumrique and Ivan Enriquez rode the bench most of the time and had fun cheering their older brothers beat the FEU Baby Tamaraws. It took a three pointer to break the backs of the Tamaraws which was the turning point of the series as the Eaglets captured their 13th UAAP Juniors Title
The High flying Blue Eaglet, Kiefer Ravena
This year, the triumvirate led the Eagles to a nerve wracking 72-62 win over the FEU Baby Tamaraws once again. Ivan Enriquez, Ateneo’s 6’3 mean post up machine made sure this time around that the Ateneo Blue Eaglets won’t be pushed aside as he led the Blue Eaglets with 18 points, mostly inside the paint and with a challenge from the FEU big guys. He was 7 of 7 inside and 4 of 5 from the stripe. He also pulled down 17 Rebounds.
JV Dumrique defended and orchestrated well and scored when it needed
The Eaglets started hot as JUami Tiongson started the ball game with a three pointer and the Blue Eaglets raced to a 5-0 lead while the FEU Baby Tams tried to catch up. The Tamaraws easily got past the Ateneo pressure defense that translated to fastbreak points by Chris Tolomia and Mon Santiago.The Baby Tams came charging back towards the Eaglets through a three point play by Chino Almario which gave them an 8-7 lead.
Chuckie Dumrique will man the backcourt after brother JV graduate
Suddenly Juami Tiongson misfired in his next shots which was the cue for Coach Jamike Jarin to bring in the sophomore sensation Kiefer Ravena. Just like in the script, Ravena did not disappoint as he rattled off five consecutive points to give Ateneo a 15-10 lead. Then the Baby Tams refused to let go as they rattled in 5 consecutive points to tie the game 15-all. Then the Baby Tams unleashed a fiery killer run to end the quarter ahead 21-16.
Ivan Enriquez was a man among boys
That was FEU run was enough to wake up the Blue Eaglets. Ivan Enriquez flexed his muscle inside the paint and Ael Banal an Juami connected from the outside. What was more evident was the Eaglets defense that made the Baby Tams bleed for the 6 points they produced in the second quarter. In contrast the Blue Eaglets transformed each turnover to a basket as they scattered 20 second quarter points.
The Blue Eaglet in spread Eagle formation
In the second half, the Blue Eaglets just kept the Tamaraws within the double digit distance as their awesome firepower was on cruise control and their defense automatic. Ael , Juami, JV and Keifer were shuffled in and out but after a disastrous first half by Al Bugarin, Ivan Enriquez played a majority of the second half.The last scare came when the Baby Tams scored on a three pointer to close the gap to six points. Then the Blue Eaglets failed to convert and the Baby Tams got the possession with a chance to put the lead down to four with a little over two minutes left.
Kiefer with the pivotal three point play
Kiefer Ravena came to the rescue as the Blue Eaglets defended well and gave the ball to a streaking Kiefer who scored on the fastbreak and the additional free throw. Cheers erupted from the Ateneo gallery as the three point play became the turning point of the game which eventually went to the KatipunanHigh School squad.Game two will still be at the San Juan Arena after the Women’s championship game which the FEU Lady Tams won over the UP Lady Maroons.
Juami Tiongson was a picture of consistency
After their sorry loss to the Junior Archers last year, the Blue Eaglets are on a mission to capture their 14th UAAP Juniors title.Stay tuned for the best is just about to unfold.
ATENEO (72)
Enriquez 18, Tiongson 15, Banal 13, Ravena 11, J. Dumrique 6, Romero 4, C. Dumrique 1, Bugarin 1, Gamboa 1, Pe 0, Capacio 0, Reyes 0
