Blue Eagles lose opener against Tamaraws

The Tams outlast the Eagles

A lot of people were saying that Season 73 will be the year of the Tamaraws and they did not disappoint the league as they stayed on to eke out a 72 - 69 win against the two time defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles. RR Garcia proved to be the main man of FEU as he scored 25 points to lead his team against the defending champs. His all around brilliance showed what the FEU team is capable of doing.

Nico Salva is the main man in offense

The Blue Eagles started the game pumped up and raced to various six point leads until the Tamaraws caught up. Rookie Forward Art dela Cruz who came from the San Beda Red Cubs have become the newest Blue Eagle rookie sensation as he scored 10 first half points with most of them against the tall FEU frontline. His teardrop was unstoppable while his spunk was very evident. Ateneo got another gem of a great player in dela Cruz whose father (same name Art) made a name for himself when he was terrorizing opponents in the PBA.

Ryan Buenafe was all business today

In a battle of strengths, its usually the one who adjusts in the end wins. The Blue Eagles tried to force the Tams into turnovers and scored on fastbreak points. On the other hand, the Tall Tamaraws outrebounded the Eagles and shot better from the three point area to underscore the versatility of their offense. In the end, the breaks went the way of the Tamaraws as they finall beat the Blue Eagles whom they last beat in the first round of season 71.

Eric Salamat got injured

and did not finish the game

Although the Blue Eagles lost, the team seems to have the right mix that can go for a three-peat. Nico Salva and Ryan Buenafe were both sharp, Kirk Long was excellent on the break while the rest of the team showed that when the team peaks at the right time they are on the way for another title run. The rookies this year looked like they were not rookies as Art dela Cruz scored 10 points in the first half. Jumbo Escueta also underscored his might inside the shaded lane while JP Erram did not show opening jitters. The only bright spot is that Ateneans know that there is still a ton of improvement that the team will go through in the next month, that only means we have to watch our for the BLue Eagles once again.

A prized rookie, Art dela Cruz Jr.

scored 10 first half points

FEU (72)

Garcia 25, Cervantes 13, Ramos 10, Sanga 9, Bringas 8, Noundou 3, Romeo 2, Exciminiano 2, Mendoza 0, Knuttel 0, Cawaling 0.

ATENEO (69)

Salva 14, Buenafe 13, Long 11, Dela Cruz 10, Escueta 6, Salamat 6, Monfort 3, Erram 2, Golla 2, Chua 2, Gonzaga 0, Austria 0.

Quarterscores: 11-15, 35-30, 51-52, 72-69