The University of Perpetual Help System-DALTA Altas sent the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles to a more difficult route to the quarterfinals with a score of 60-59 in a late afternoon match at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Altas have been struggling in the aftermath of Bright Akhuetie’s transfer to the University of the Philippines, but today was a hint that they might have already moved on.
Cach Nic Omorogbe said, “We just have to move forward. We can’t keep dwelling in the past. Bright left and that’s a big blow but as a coach, that’s an extra motivation for me to motivate my other guys to play.”
The game started close with the Altas leading only by three, 28-25, on the first half. But come the third quarter, the Blue Eagles obviously had no solution for the problem called Prince Eze. The Nigerian student-athlete paced 18 points, eight rebounds, and six blocks. Ateneo were scoreless in the first five minutes of the penultimate quarter. Perpetual’s lead bloated up to 17 points, 46-29.
But Ateneo’s patient basketball paid off in the 4th quarter. Mike Nieto, Jawuan White, and Isaac Go chopped off Perpetual’s lead, and even took a three point lead, 50-53, accomplished with five straight three pointers, three of which coming from Nieto. Perpetual also found themselves in foul trouble.
Coach Omorogbe had to remind his boys to focus, “I told my guys to keep playing, we came in aggressive. It’s a good thing my guys played honest defense.”
Perpetual’s defense collapsed, but regained its footing through Flash Sadiwa and Jeff Coronel. Sadiwa gave 16 points, and 10 rebounds, while Coronel chipped in 12 points and 12 rebounds.
The game ended in a crazy sequence, with Perpetual leading, 60-57, but the ball was in Ateneo’s court with only less than 24 ticks. Tyler Tio was fouled as he was in the act of shooting a three. With no more time left, he unfortunately missed one of his three free throws, 60-59, failing to force an overtime. This loss sent Ateneo to a must-win game against the unblemished San Beda on June 16.
Nieto’s 14 points and two rebounds, and Jolo Mendoza’s eight points, were not enough to win.
The Altas may have won today but Coach Omorogbe is certain that there is a long list of things to improve on for the upcoming NCAA Season.
“For now, I don’t think so because we have a lot to work on. In 3-4 weeks time, we will be ready for sure,” the Nigerian coach shared.
The Altas end their Filoil stint with a 3-5 record. – By: Danine Cruz
The Scores:
UPHSD (60) – Eze 18, Sadiwa 16, Coronel 12, Yuhico 5, Ylagan 3, Singontiko 2, Pido 2, Clemente 2, Lucente 0, Tamayo 0, Mangalino 0, Casas 0.
ADMU (59) – Nieto Mi 14, Mendoza 8, Go 7, Ravena 6, White 6, Nieto Ma 5, Mallillin 5, Asistio 3, Tio 2, Ikeh 2, Andrade 1, Tolentino 0, Porter 0, Black 0, Verano 0.
Quarterscores: 18-10, 28-25, 48-36, 60-59.
