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 Katipunan High 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
FEU (62)
Tolomia 18, Albano 11, Santiago 10, Almario 9, Escoto 7, Pardo 7, Infante 0, Managuelod 0, Bautista 0,
Quarter scores: 16-21, 36-27, 51-41, 72-62
1 comment:
One Big Fight! Seniors naman!
Post a Comment