Eli Ramos finally enjoyed a breakout game in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
And it came against his former school Ateneo de Manila University.
Eli, the younger brother of former Ateneo-commit Dwight, played with great intensity against the Blue Eagles, scoring 12 points, three assists, two steals, and two rebounds in the Soaring Falcons’ 74-71 overtime win over the Blue Eagles.
His performance was so effective against Ateneo that he heard some of the Blue Eagles’ fans in the Smart Araneta Coliseum jeering him, which made him hesitant to sing the school’s hymn, “A Song For Mary,” after the game.
“Sabi niya, ‘Coach, they were booing me.’
“I said, don’t worry about the people. It’s the school. You just honor the school,” said Racela.
The Soaring Falcons managed to come back from a 19-point deficit to win the game. Ramos played a key role, scoring baskets late in the fourth quarter to bring Adamson within 69-all by the end of regulation.
At least for this day, Ateneo’s loss was Adamson’s gain.
Despite the sweet feeling of victory, Racela made sure that his young guard did not forget where he came from.
“This game is really for Eli, who came from Ateneo.
“That’s why I told him nung kumakanta na, sabi ko you honor the school because you came from Ateneo. That’s why I told him to stand there in front of us. Itaas mo kamay mo,” continued the former UAAP champion coach.
Ramos eventually stood in front and raised his fist to honor Ateneo. While his initial plan of playing with the Blue Eagles alongside Dwight did not pan out, life brought him to where he needed to be.
It was also a lesson for him and the rest of the Soaring Falcons that they should never forget where they came from.
“Nakakatuwa naman. At least tumayo siya dun.”
