THE ATENEO de Manila University eluded Adamson University in a defensive fight, 62-58, on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, boosting its UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Final Four bid.
Following a much-needed victory, the Blue Eagles sat alone in fourth place in the elimination round rankings with a 6-6 record, a step ahead of the Soaring Falcons, which fell to 5-7 in fifth after their game.
With their backs against the wall, the Blue Eagles relied on their co-captain Sean Quitevis, who led the team with 12 points and eight rebounds while Joseph Obasa and Kai Ballungay each contributed 10 points.
As expected, a vital game such as this was significantly tighter, as seen by the low-scoring end where Ateneo shot 36.5% from the field while Adamson converted 32.3% of their efforts.
“It was tough as it gets and we expected that,” said Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin after their win. “That’s the Adamson team, that’s the Adamson coaching staff. They just grind you down, and they’re doing it to everybody. Every time they play, it’s a battle, and it’s never easy against them.”
At halftime, the Blue Eagles held a 9-point advantage but Adamson surged back into the game, taking the lead 49-42 at the end of the third quarter. The reigning champs faltered in the third quarter, scoring only four points.
In the fourth period, Ateneo returned the favor, demonstrating to everyone why they were the defending champs. After Adamson grabbed a 55-52 lead with 5:39 remaining, the Blue Eagles went on a 7-0 run to reclaim the lead, 59-55.
The Soaring Falcons went scoreless for over four minutes when Matt Erolon broke the silence with a three-pointer and got Adamson within one point, 59-58, with 1:23 remaining.
But the Falcons squandered four opportunities to take the lead.
Vince Magbuhos missed a three-pointer, Ced Manzano failed two shots, and Didat Hanapi missed a fadeaway jumper with nine seconds left. It’s all thanks to the Blue Eagles’ tight defensive systems.
With 4.1 ticks remaining, Ateneo’s Quitevis was sent to the line. He then split the free throws, causing a scramble for the lost ball which landed on a sitting Obasa. The one-and-done Nigerian big man converted his free throws to seal the game with 3.3 seconds remaining.
Adamson, on the other hand, was led by Matthew Montebon, who had 13 points and four rebounds, while Jhon Calisay and Erolon each had nine and eight points.
The Blue Eagles will try to advance their Final Four bid when they face the University of the East at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Meanwhile, the Soaring Falcons will face co-league leader National University 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
