Blue Eagles continue rampage
Games Today (Mall of Asia Arena) 2 p.m. – UST vs La Salle 4 p.m. – Adamson vs NU
Quality over quantity is exactly what coach Tab Baldwin preached yesterday when the Final Four-bound Ateneo Blue Eagles soared past the University of the East Red Warriors, 97-73, and bagged the first twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 80 basketball tourney at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Top wingman Thirdy Ravena spearheaded the attack anew with 17 points, 10 of them coming in their breakaway run in the second period, while seven other teammates chipped in at least seven points each as Ateneo streaked to its 11th straight victory and tightened up its grip on the top spot.
Although he downplayed any expectations about a possible 14-game elimination sweep, Baldwin, 59, couldn’t hide his pleasure over the Blue Eagles’ latest dominant performance as they made life miserable for the Red Warriors, including high-scoring forward Alvin Pasaol.
“What’s most important is the quality of the performance. We always think that if we perform well, the result will take care of itself,” said the AmericanKiwi tactician who graced the traditional post-game interview for the first time this season.
While its offense looked fluid than ever underscored by 26 assists, with seven cagers accounting for at least two, Ateneo also displayed its unforgiving defensive stance of old in the middle quarters where UE struggled to get anything going.
The 6-foot-3 Pasaol, who came into the match averaging 28.2 points in their last six outings, bore the brunt of the Blue Eagles’ defense as he was limited to a season-low of eight points on a horrendous 2-of-11 shooting from the field.
In the nightcap, Paul Desiderio drained a step-back triple with 1.1 seconds left as University of the Philippines completed a 59-56 stunner over host Far Eastern University. The Fighting Maroons jacked up their record to 5-6, and in the process, tied the Tamaraws in the race for the fourth and final playoff spot.
The 5-foot-10 Desiderio, despite struggling from the field all game long, made sure he won’t disappoint the Fighting Maroons with the game still hanging in the balance as he drilled in his second triple over the outstretched arms of Tamaraws counterpart Ron Dennison in the closing seconds. First Game ATENEO 97 – Ravena 17, Mendoza 13, Tolentino 12, Verano 12, Asistio 9, Porter 9, Nieto Mi. 7, Ikeh 7, Mamuyac 3, Nieto Ma. 2, Go 2, Black 2, Andrade 2, Tio 0, White 0. UE 73 – Maloles 20, Olayon 15, Pasaol 8, Bartolome 7, Cullar 5, Varilla 5, Acuno 4, Derige 4, Manalang 3, Conner 2, Cruz 0, Toribio 0. Quarters: 21-18; 48-35; 71-52; 97-73.