Ateneo de Manila University avoided falling into its worst start in the Final Four era, escaping gutsy Adamson University, 60-51, to earn its first win in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday evening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Blue Eagles finally barged into the win column after absorbing three straight losses from the UP Fighting Maroons, the UST Growling Tigers, and the DLSU Green Archers.
“We’re, obviously, very happy. The guys fought really hard. I said early on that we’re the team that’s gonna play in patches, which is typical of a young team,” said Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin.
“Fourth quarter was really bad patch, but we survived it. We took care of our third quarter woes – at least for this game – and it was really refreshing.”
Despite the promising start, Ateneo faced a tough challenge in the fourth quarter from Cedrick Manzano and the Soaring Falcons.
The Blue Eagles had built a lead of as many as 14 points entering the final period.
However, Adamson responded fiercely, launching a 13-2 run led by Manzano, Manu Anabo, and Eli Ramos. That cut Ateneo’s lead to just three points at 52-49 with 3:52 remaining.
In the end, Ateneo managed to maintain its composure, with key contributions from Kristian Porter, who scored a crucial inside basket. They also got Ian Espinosa’s two free throws and four clutch free throws from Shawn Tuano.
This solid performance allowed the Blue Eagles to finally notch their first victory of the season.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Manzano, who played a pivotal role in Adamson’s run, finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, and a block.
However, his missed layup which could have narrowed the deficit to one proved costly, especially after he fouled out moments later.
With the win, the Blue Eagles improved to a 1-3 record following their worst start under coach Tab Baldwin – and worst since Bo Perasol’s first season in Season 76 (2013).
“Adamson did a really good job. Nash [Racela] is about as smart as they come, very experienced. And he started switching with his big men and they were trusting Cedrick to play our guards one-on-one, and he did a great job,” Baldwin added.
On the scoring front for Ateneo, Shawn Tuano was the only player to reach double digits, contributing 11 points and four rebounds.
Meanwhile, Porter added eight points and grabbed 11 boards.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Team captain Chris Koon, returning from a left ankle injury, also scored eight points.
Meanwhile, Joshua Lazaro and Andrew Bongo chipped in with seven points each.
The Blue Eagles will have ample time to regroup before facing Far Eastern University on Sept. 29 at the Big Dome.
On the other hand, Joshua Yerro and Matty Erolon scored six apiece to support Manzano. OJ Ojarikre hauled down 10 rebounds.
Adamson dropped to an even 2-2 after an impressive win over Final Four contender University of Santo Tomas the previous Sunday.
The Soaring Falcons will now prepare for a showdown with struggling National University on Sept. 25, also at the same venue.
The Scores:
Ateneo 60 – Tuano 11, Porter 8, Koon 8, Lazaro 7, Bongo 7, Gamber 6, Quitevis 5, Bahay 5, Espinosa 2, Balogun 1, Ong 0, Edu 0, Espina 0
Adamson 51 – Manzano 14, Yerro 6, Ramos 6, Erolon 4, Anabo 4, Barasi Jr., 4, Ojarikre 2, Fransman 2, Calisay 2, Mantua 2, Montebon 2, Dignadice 2, Alexander 1
Quarterscores: 17-6, 31-20, 50-36, 60-51.
