Entering the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles were believed to be a cut above the rest of the field.
And who would go up against this line of thinking?
The Blue Eagles won three pre-season crowns, namely the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup, SMART City Hoops, and Breakdown Basketball Invitationals. Moreover, Ateneo had an unprecedented out-of-the-country stints – including a camp in Greece and a campaign in the Jones Cup.
But come opening day in the UAAP, the defending Men’s Basketball Champions were stunned by the Adamson University Soaring Falcons, 70-74. And this loss was an eye-opener for the Blue Eagles, showing that the UAAP is still a different animal, according to fourth-year Blue Eagle Thirdy Ravena.
“We may or may not admit it, but this game really put us back on the ground in terms of preparation because… ‘Di ko sinasabi na mayabang kami, pero with the way Adamson played, binigyan kami ng isa pang challenge na kailangan naming trabahuin,” shared the second-generation cager.
Ravena himself could not get anything in the contest, scoring just seven points on 3-for-12 shooting along with three rebounds in 20 minutes of game time.
The 21-year-old tried to atone for his horrid game with 27 seconds left. With Adamson holding a 72-70 lead, Ravena went for broke, shooting a triple with 11 seconds still left on the clock. The shot badly missed.
“That was breaks of the game. I could’ve done a better decision, but that happens,” he reflected.
“Just something that I can watch again and work on more.”
The UAAP Season 80 Men’s Basketball Finals Most Valuable Player gave credit where credit was due. Still, he believes that this loss will only fuel them the rest of the way.
“It’s the first game. Let them talk,” he asserted.
“We’re just here to improve every single game. I just want to congratulate Adamson for that well deserved win.”
