Ateneo de Manila University was rocked by Far Eastern University in the first half of their clash in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday.
The Blue Eagles trailed by as much as 19 in the second quarter off back-to-back treys by Xyrus Torres, 20-39, before inching a little closer at the break at 27-41.
The Tamaraws looked poised to start the third frame, raising their advantage to 18 points after a basket by Cholo Anonuevo midway.
Then the patented Ateneo third quarter storm started as Ange Kouame and Forthsky Padrigao connived to pull their squad within five entering the fourth, 49-54.
They continued the onslaught in the payoff period, stopping FEU down the stretch for the 71-65 victory at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, giving the Blue Eagles an 8-3 record to secure at least a playoff for a Final Four spot.
“I know this team is not a great starting team but we don’t tend to fall behind that much,” said Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin.
“There is a silver cloud to that type of scenario because two things: one, we showed some resolve. The team showed that they have fightback in them. I don’t know if we’ve really seen that since the tournament in Japan where they did the same thing. Secondly, the value of playing close games and the lesson we take out of those situations.“
Glad was Baldwin as his team finally executed when the game is to be decided in the last two minutes or so.
Their three defeats came from De La Salle University, University of the Philippines, and National University, with all being close games and decided by just five points or less.
And to finally break the code of that endgame execution that the Blue Eagles had problems before, Baldwin saw that as a positive, especially against a gritty Tamaraws squad who are trying to re-spark their playoff bid.
“We’ve lost all of our close games up to this point. We’ve won all the games where we’ve had a healthy margin,” added Baldwin.
“Against a very good FEU team, very inspired and very well-coached, that’s a good sign for us to show some life in a close game and make some good decision and make some good plays.”
