Ateneo Eagles win PCCL title, complete grandslam year

The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles completed a season sweep of the major collegiate leagues by capturing the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) against a hard luck Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 74-70, on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

But in contrast to their dominant title-clinching wins in the UAAP Season 72 and the Unigames, the Eagles went through some anxious moments before finding ways to be crowned as this year’s national collegiate champion.

As if Rabeh Al-Hussaini’s absence was not enough, Ateneo bucked the loss of Eric Salamat down the stretch and leaned on Jai Reyes to clinch the title the hard way.

After Salamat left the game due to cramps with 3:37 left in the game and the Eaglestrailing the Tamaraws, 67-68, Reyes came to the Eagles’ rescue.

The steady guard answered back Tamaraw JR Cawaling’s long jumper with a booming triple in the 2:31 mark of the final period to tie the game for the last time at 70-all.

Then Reyes, the nephew of former Ateneo great Jun Reyes and ex-national team coach Chot Reyes, set up Oping Sumalinog for the go-ahead basket in the final 45.2 seconds.

His late exploits were enough to fend off the Tamaraws’ last gallant stand. Ronjay Buenafe sealed the Eagles’ third straight title this year, its second PCCL crown since winning in 2007, with two free throws in the dying seconds.

“I told them that whether they win or lose this game, they’ve already proven that they are a good team. But this game that will determine whether they are just a good team or a great team,” Ateneo coach Norman Black said.

And just like the mark of a great team, the Eagles collectively played with poise and confidence of a champion especially in the endgame to end their magical year with a bang, a day after the school celebrated their 150th foundation year.

After squandering a 16-point lead, 51-35, and trailing by three, 67-70, with under three minutes remaining, the Eagles recovered their bearings while the Tamaraws ran into maze of errors and forced shots.

The loss was a double whammy for FEU coach Glenn Capacio, whose father retired Col. Conrado passed away at dawn before this game.

The Eagles took home the Manny V. Pangilinan perpetual trophy and P500,000.00 worth of athletic items and scholarship grants plus P400,000.00 worth of athletic items and gift certificates from Smart and ABS-CBN Sports for a whopping total of P900,000.00 worth of prizes.

Reyes wins first MVP award in ‘last game’

Reyes, who scored 17 points spiked by four triples and two assists, was named the Most Valuable Player right after he played his final game in an Ateneo jersey.

“It’s my first time to win such an award since my high school years, when I was not still playing in the UAAP,” said Reyes, who averaged 11.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists in the tournament.

“Jai (Reyes)played great for us. This win is for the graduating players [Reyes, Noy (Baclao) and Rabeh Al-Hussaini]. I would like to thank especially Noy for choosing to come here despite having a game in ABL,” Black said.

Baclao, who skipped his Asean Basketball League (ABL) team Philippine Patriots’ game against Brunei Baracuddas, tallied only four points in a foul-plagued 19 minutes of action but was an intimidating force inside the shaded lane for the Eagles especially in the crucial stretch of the game.

Black added that “it would’ve been sweeter if Rabeh is here.”

Al-Hussaini did not play the entire tournament opting to concentrate on his studies and his commitment to the Smart Gilas RP Team.

Meanwhile, Reyes was joined by his teammate Eric Salamat, FEU’s Aldrech Ramos and RR Garcia plus San Beda’s Bambam Gamalinda in the Mythical Five. Black was the hands down choice as the Coach of the Year while Buddy Cortez was named Referee of the Year.

The Tamaraws, who blew a 1-0 series lead, did not go home empty handed as they got P200,000.00 worth of athletic items and scholarship grants for their athletic program while team members got another P200,000.00 worth of athletic items and gift certificates.

The scores:

ADMU 74 – Salamat 19, Reyes 17, Sumalinog 11, Buenafe 8, Golla 4, Baclao 4, Salva 4, Monfort 3, Austria 0, Long 0.

FEU 70 – Sanga 15, Garcia 14, Ramos 10, Cawaling 10, Exciminiano 8, Manalo 5, Cervantes 4, Noundou 4, Knuttel 0.

Quarters: 20-16, 45-35, 61-59, 74-70.

Ateneo Eagles win PCCL title, complete grandslam year

The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles completed a season sweep of the major collegiate leagues by capturing the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) against a hard luck Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 74-70, on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

But in contrast to their dominant title-clinching wins in the UAAP Season 72 and the Unigames, the Eagles went through some anxious moments before finding ways to be crowned as this year’s national collegiate champion.

As if Rabeh Al-Hussaini’s absence was not enough, Ateneo bucked the loss of Eric Salamat down the stretch and leaned on Jai Reyes to clinch the title the hard way.

After Salamat left the game due to cramps with 3:37 left in the game and the Eaglestrailing the Tamaraws, 67-68, Reyes came to the Eagles’ rescue.

The steady guard answered back Tamaraw JR Cawaling’s long jumper with a booming triple in the 2:31 mark of the final period to tie the game for the last time at 70-all.

Then Reyes, the nephew of former Ateneo great Jun Reyes and ex-national team coach Chot Reyes, set up Oping Sumalinog for the go-ahead basket in the final 45.2 seconds.

His late exploits were enough to fend off the Tamaraws’ last gallant stand. Ronjay Buenafe sealed the Eagles’ third straight title this year, its second PCCL crown since winning in 2007, with two free throws in the dying seconds.

“I told them that whether they win or lose this game, they’ve already proven that they are a good team. But this game that will determine whether they are just a good team or a great team,” Ateneo coach Norman Black said.

And just like the mark of a great team, the Eagles collectively played with poise and confidence of a champion especially in the endgame to end their magical year with a bang, a day after the school celebrated their 150th foundation year.

After squandering a 16-point lead, 51-35, and trailing by three, 67-70, with under three minutes remaining, the Eagles recovered their bearings while the Tamaraws ran into maze of errors and forced shots.

The loss was a double whammy for FEU coach Glenn Capacio, whose father retired Col. Conrado passed away at dawn before this game.

The Eagles took home the Manny V. Pangilinan perpetual trophy and P500,000.00 worth of athletic items and scholarship grants plus P400,000.00 worth of athletic items and gift certificates from Smart and ABS-CBN Sports for a whopping total of P900,000.00 worth of prizes.

Reyes wins first MVP award in ‘last game’

Reyes, who scored 17 points spiked by four triples and two assists, was named the Most Valuable Player right after he played his final game in an Ateneo jersey.

“It’s my first time to win such an award since my high school years, when I was not still playing in the UAAP,” said Reyes, who averaged 11.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists in the tournament.

“Jai (Reyes)played great for us. This win is for the graduating players [Reyes, Noy (Baclao) and Rabeh Al-Hussaini]. I would like to thank especially Noy for choosing to come here despite having a game in ABL,” Black said.

Baclao, who skipped his Asean Basketball League (ABL) team Philippine Patriots’ game against Brunei Baracuddas, tallied only four points in a foul-plagued 19 minutes of action but was an intimidating force inside the shaded lane for the Eagles especially in the crucial stretch of the game.

Black added that “it would’ve been sweeter if Rabeh is here.”

Al-Hussaini did not play the entire tournament opting to concentrate on his studies and his commitment to the Smart Gilas RP Team.

Meanwhile, Reyes was joined by his teammate Eric Salamat, FEU’s Aldrech Ramos and RR Garcia plus San Beda’s Bambam Gamalinda in the Mythical Five. Black was the hands down choice as the Coach of the Year while Buddy Cortez was named Referee of the Year.

The Tamaraws, who blew a 1-0 series lead, did not go home empty handed as they got P200,000.00 worth of athletic items and scholarship grants for their athletic program while team members got another P200,000.00 worth of athletic items and gift certificates.

The scores:

ADMU 74 – Salamat 19, Reyes 17, Sumalinog 11, Buenafe 8, Golla 4, Baclao 4, Salva 4, Monfort 3, Austria 0, Long 0.

FEU 70 – Sanga 15, Garcia 14, Ramos 10, Cawaling 10, Exciminiano 8, Manalo 5, Cervantes 4, Noundou 4, Knuttel 0.

Quarters: 20-16, 45-35, 61-59, 74-70.

Ateneo arranges all-UAAP final in Champions League

Two-time defending UAAP champion Ateneo bucked the absence of its star players finding enough strength in the fourth quarter to trounce bitter NCAA rival San Beda in the other semis match in the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champions League.

The Blue Eagles went on a shooting clinic in the payoff period to defeat undermanned San Beda, 81-69, Monday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City to arrange an all-UAAP title showdown with Far Eastern University for the PCCL national title.

Reserve Oping Sumalinog combined with starters Jai Reyes and Eric Salamat in a big fourth quarter three-point shooting rampage as the Blue Eagles broke the game wide open to reach the national finals for the third consecutive season.

Ateneo won despite playing sluggish two months after its UAAP title conquest over University of the East and playing minus star big man Rabeh Al-Hussaini.

The 6-foot-6 Al-Hussaini, who bagged the 2008 UAAP Most Valuable Player and this season's Finals MVP honors, is currently concentrating on his commitments with the Smart Gilas RP national team.

"We're still not complete but we'll just do the best we can in the championship," said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

Sumalinog, Reyes and Salamat led the Loyola-based squad with 14 points apiece while Ryan Buenafe added 13 markers, three rebounds, four assists and two steals in 19 minutes on the floor.

They combined to hit all of the team's nine three-pointers off 24 attempts and was glad to win despite committing 21 turnovers.

"We turned the ball over 21 times but good thing San Beda committed 26 turnovers," Black added.

Ateneo was ahead by just six points, 65-59, with less than six minutes left before Reyes nailed a three-pointer. Salamat followed suit with two treys while Buenafe completed the rout with a triple for a 79-64 lead with just 1:40 to go.

The best-of-three title series between the Eagles and Tamaraws will begin on Wednesday with the former seeking their second title overall while the latter going for a record third championship.

Garvo Lanete led the way for San Beda with 15 points on 6-of-14 shooting while Bam Gamalinda nearly had his third straight double-double finishing with 13 points and nine boards.

Rookie Rome Dela Rosa came off the bench scoring 12 points in 24 minutes of action.

The Mendiola-based squad actually led 30-22 in the second quarter only for Ateneo to mount a comeback to trail 39-34 at the half.

But San Beda pulled within 48-46 with 3:35 left in the third on a Dela Rosa lay-up before Ateneo pulled away for good.

The Red Lions suited up with just 10 players and missed the services of American import Sudan Daniel (right foot) and Borgie Hermida (deep cut above his right eye).

San Beda and San Sebastian will play in a one-game showdown for third place, also on Wednesday, in a rematch of the NCAA finals won by the Stags.

Scores

Ateneo 81 – Sumalinog 14, Reyes 14, Salamat 14, Buenafe 13, Baclao 11, Salva 8, Long 5, Golla 2, Gonzaga 0, Chua 0, Austria 0, Tiongson 0, Monfort 0.

San Beda 69 – Lanete 15, Gamalinda 13, dela Rosa 12, Caram 8, Marcelo 7, Tecson 5, Villanueva 3, Solera 2, Lim 2, Pascual 2.

Quarter scores: 12-18; 39-34; 58-53; 81-69.

Games on Wednesday (Ynares Sports Arena)
2 p.m. — San Sebastian vs San Beda (3rd Place)
4 p.m. — FEU vs Ateneo (Finals Game 1)

Ateneo arranges all-UAAP final in Champions League

Two-time defending UAAP champion Ateneo bucked the absence of its star players finding enough strength in the fourth quarter to trounce bitter NCAA rival San Beda in the other semis match in the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champions League.

The Blue Eagles went on a shooting clinic in the payoff period to defeat undermanned San Beda, 81-69, Monday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City to arrange an all-UAAP title showdown with Far Eastern University for the PCCL national title.

Reserve Oping Sumalinog combined with starters Jai Reyes and Eric Salamat in a big fourth quarter three-point shooting rampage as the Blue Eagles broke the game wide open to reach the national finals for the third consecutive season.

Ateneo won despite playing sluggish two months after its UAAP title conquest over University of the East and playing minus star big man Rabeh Al-Hussaini.

The 6-foot-6 Al-Hussaini, who bagged the 2008 UAAP Most Valuable Player and this season's Finals MVP honors, is currently concentrating on his commitments with the Smart Gilas RP national team.

"We're still not complete but we'll just do the best we can in the championship," said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

Sumalinog, Reyes and Salamat led the Loyola-based squad with 14 points apiece while Ryan Buenafe added 13 markers, three rebounds, four assists and two steals in 19 minutes on the floor.

They combined to hit all of the team's nine three-pointers off 24 attempts and was glad to win despite committing 21 turnovers.

"We turned the ball over 21 times but good thing San Beda committed 26 turnovers," Black added.

Ateneo was ahead by just six points, 65-59, with less than six minutes left before Reyes nailed a three-pointer. Salamat followed suit with two treys while Buenafe completed the rout with a triple for a 79-64 lead with just 1:40 to go.

The best-of-three title series between the Eagles and Tamaraws will begin on Wednesday with the former seeking their second title overall while the latter going for a record third championship.

Garvo Lanete led the way for San Beda with 15 points on 6-of-14 shooting while Bam Gamalinda nearly had his third straight double-double finishing with 13 points and nine boards.

Rookie Rome Dela Rosa came off the bench scoring 12 points in 24 minutes of action.

The Mendiola-based squad actually led 30-22 in the second quarter only for Ateneo to mount a comeback to trail 39-34 at the half.

But San Beda pulled within 48-46 with 3:35 left in the third on a Dela Rosa lay-up before Ateneo pulled away for good.

The Red Lions suited up with just 10 players and missed the services of American import Sudan Daniel (right foot) and Borgie Hermida (deep cut above his right eye).

San Beda and San Sebastian will play in a one-game showdown for third place, also on Wednesday, in a rematch of the NCAA finals won by the Stags.

Scores

Ateneo 81 – Sumalinog 14, Reyes 14, Salamat 14, Buenafe 13, Baclao 11, Salva 8, Long 5, Golla 2, Gonzaga 0, Chua 0, Austria 0, Tiongson 0, Monfort 0.

San Beda 69 – Lanete 15, Gamalinda 13, dela Rosa 12, Caram 8, Marcelo 7, Tecson 5, Villanueva 3, Solera 2, Lim 2, Pascual 2.

Quarter scores: 12-18; 39-34; 58-53; 81-69.

Games on Wednesday (Ynares Sports Arena)
2 p.m. — San Sebastian vs San Beda (3rd Place)
4 p.m. — FEU vs Ateneo (Finals Game 1)

Eagles survive gutsy Archers in overtime

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo overcame an 11-point deficit, bucked the loss of main man Rabeh Al-Hussaini and survived a gritty La Salle side that kept on coming back to fashion out a 76-72 overtime victory and remain tied with Far Eastern U at the helm in the UAAP seniors basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

The Eagles toughened up on defense in the third quarter to stymie the inspired Archers and erase a 36-47 deficit, then outsteadied their arch rivals in the extra period to complete the come-from-behind victory, their sixth against a loss, in the game held to honor the late President Cory Aquino.

“Luckily the players answered the call at halftime. We came out in the second half and played better defense. In the first half we gave up too many points and I think they were shooting 50 percent on the floor which is pretty unusual,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

“But I challenged the players at halftime that if they want to really win the game, they would have to come up and play defense in the third quarter and they were able to hold La Salle to 10 points.

“I think that gave us the opportunity to win back the game,” he said.

Earlier, the Tams beat the UE Warriors via the same score, 76-72, to likewise improve to 6-1.

La Salle and UE dropped to 4-3.

Al-Hussaini, Ateneo’s tower of strength, sprained his left ankle with less than six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and never returned after scoring 13 points.

But Nico Salva, Noy Baclao, Eric Salamat, Jai Reyes and Bacon Austria stepped up with their gutsy plays, including a trapping defense that broke several La Salle plays in the second half.

“These things happened but in no part of the game can you think negative. Rabeh is one of our key players, if not the key player. The same time if he goes down, other players need to step up and Nico Salva was one who stepped up today (yesterday), Eric Salamat was one who stepped up for us,” said Black.

“I’m not really sure how serious it is, we’ll take a look at it, Dr. (Raul) Canlas will take a look at it later and it doesn’t look like it’s life threatening. I’m not sure how long he’ll be out but it looks like an ankle sprain,” he said.

Despite the loss, La Salle coach Franz Pumaren had good words for his team.

“I don’t think anybody expected us to be where we are right now,” said Pumaren.

He said La Salle could have won the game in regulation, if not for some mental lapses in the closing minutes.

“I guess being a young team took its toll down the stretch. We made some mental mistakes but physically we’re in good shape right now. I don’t think anybody got tired. It’s just the mental aspect that we bungled. That’s part of being a young team,” he said.

“After our first two games I think some of the basketball experts never considered us to be in this kind of a position. So, I think we’re overachieving right now. We’re not going to rest on this one. We will continue competing,” he said.

Aldrech Ramos came through with a superb offensive effort for the second straight game as he fired 14 points and came away with 12 rebounds.

Rookie RR Garcia, Paul Sanga, Cameroonian Pipo Noundou and Mark Barroca chipped in 14, 13, 12 and 11 points, respectively, to cap the Tams’ balanced scoring.

A near fistfight erupted between FEU’s Reil Cervantes and UE’s Pari Llagas after the two got entangled in rebound play with 3.7 seconds to go.

Cervantes and Llagas were eventually assessed disqualifying foul and were ejected.

Armed with a full-court press, the Archers came out roaring in the first half, posting a 40-32 lead at the break. Sophomore Joshua Webb had 17 points in the first two quarters. – With report from

Eagles survive gutsy Archers in overtime

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo overcame an 11-point deficit, bucked the loss of main man Rabeh Al-Hussaini and survived a gritty La Salle side that kept on coming back to fashion out a 76-72 overtime victory and remain tied with Far Eastern U at the helm in the UAAP seniors basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

The Eagles toughened up on defense in the third quarter to stymie the inspired Archers and erase a 36-47 deficit, then outsteadied their arch rivals in the extra period to complete the come-from-behind victory, their sixth against a loss, in the game held to honor the late President Cory Aquino.

“Luckily the players answered the call at halftime. We came out in the second half and played better defense. In the first half we gave up too many points and I think they were shooting 50 percent on the floor which is pretty unusual,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

“But I challenged the players at halftime that if they want to really win the game, they would have to come up and play defense in the third quarter and they were able to hold La Salle to 10 points.

“I think that gave us the opportunity to win back the game,” he said.

Earlier, the Tams beat the UE Warriors via the same score, 76-72, to likewise improve to 6-1.

La Salle and UE dropped to 4-3.

Al-Hussaini, Ateneo’s tower of strength, sprained his left ankle with less than six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and never returned after scoring 13 points.

But Nico Salva, Noy Baclao, Eric Salamat, Jai Reyes and Bacon Austria stepped up with their gutsy plays, including a trapping defense that broke several La Salle plays in the second half.

“These things happened but in no part of the game can you think negative. Rabeh is one of our key players, if not the key player. The same time if he goes down, other players need to step up and Nico Salva was one who stepped up today (yesterday), Eric Salamat was one who stepped up for us,” said Black.

“I’m not really sure how serious it is, we’ll take a look at it, Dr. (Raul) Canlas will take a look at it later and it doesn’t look like it’s life threatening. I’m not sure how long he’ll be out but it looks like an ankle sprain,” he said.

Despite the loss, La Salle coach Franz Pumaren had good words for his team.

“I don’t think anybody expected us to be where we are right now,” said Pumaren.

He said La Salle could have won the game in regulation, if not for some mental lapses in the closing minutes.

“I guess being a young team took its toll down the stretch. We made some mental mistakes but physically we’re in good shape right now. I don’t think anybody got tired. It’s just the mental aspect that we bungled. That’s part of being a young team,” he said.

“After our first two games I think some of the basketball experts never considered us to be in this kind of a position. So, I think we’re overachieving right now. We’re not going to rest on this one. We will continue competing,” he said.

Aldrech Ramos came through with a superb offensive effort for the second straight game as he fired 14 points and came away with 12 rebounds.

Rookie RR Garcia, Paul Sanga, Cameroonian Pipo Noundou and Mark Barroca chipped in 14, 13, 12 and 11 points, respectively, to cap the Tams’ balanced scoring.

A near fistfight erupted between FEU’s Reil Cervantes and UE’s Pari Llagas after the two got entangled in rebound play with 3.7 seconds to go.

Cervantes and Llagas were eventually assessed disqualifying foul and were ejected.

Armed with a full-court press, the Archers came out roaring in the first half, posting a 40-32 lead at the break. Sophomore Joshua Webb had 17 points in the first two quarters. – With report from

Blue, green give way to Cory yellow

MANILA, Philippines – At least for once, it’s not going to be a choice between blue or green. Yellow, the famous Cory Yellow, will be the color of the day when Ateneo and La Salle clash in the UAAP seniors basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.

Fans of varsity hoops’ bitter rivals will be wearing yellow instead as tribute to the late President Cory Aquino.

“A suggestion was made, text messages were passed on and it just had a life of its own,” said Bro. Bernie Oca, La Salle’s representative to the league board, yesterday told The STAR.

This marks the first time in the 72-year history of the league that UAAP fans would be wearing the same color of shirts regardless of what school they would root for.

“Yes, we will have to buy a yellow shirt to wear on Sunday,” Ateneo athletic director Ricky Palou said.

Text messages urging students of both schools to wear yellow on Sunday spread like wildfire yesterday as the very woman who turned the color into a symbol of protest and unity when she led a popular, peaceful revolt in 1986, was laid to rest after an eight-hour funeral procession at the Manila Memorial Park in Sucat last night.

“Just to show how all of us, not just La Sallians and Ateneans, but all Filipinos are moved and inspired to show our love for President Cory Aquino,” said Oca.

Chuck Buenaventura, La Salle’s other league board member, said he might also wear yellow.

Even in death, the former President can still weave her Cory magic in spreading peace and unity. – Joey Villar

Blue, green give way to Cory yellow

MANILA, Philippines – At least for once, it’s not going to be a choice between blue or green. Yellow, the famous Cory Yellow, will be the color of the day when Ateneo and La Salle clash in the UAAP seniors basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.

Fans of varsity hoops’ bitter rivals will be wearing yellow instead as tribute to the late President Cory Aquino.

“A suggestion was made, text messages were passed on and it just had a life of its own,” said Bro. Bernie Oca, La Salle’s representative to the league board, yesterday told The STAR.

This marks the first time in the 72-year history of the league that UAAP fans would be wearing the same color of shirts regardless of what school they would root for.

“Yes, we will have to buy a yellow shirt to wear on Sunday,” Ateneo athletic director Ricky Palou said.

Text messages urging students of both schools to wear yellow on Sunday spread like wildfire yesterday as the very woman who turned the color into a symbol of protest and unity when she led a popular, peaceful revolt in 1986, was laid to rest after an eight-hour funeral procession at the Manila Memorial Park in Sucat last night.

“Just to show how all of us, not just La Sallians and Ateneans, but all Filipinos are moved and inspired to show our love for President Cory Aquino,” said Oca.

Chuck Buenaventura, La Salle’s other league board member, said he might also wear yellow.

Even in death, the former President can still weave her Cory magic in spreading peace and unity. – Joey Villar

David fells Goliath in UAAP's big upset

MANILA, Philippines - University of the Philippines, dishing out its best against an Ateneo team playing its worst, pulled off a king-size 68-58 victory -- its first in five years - in a Sunday shocker in the UAAP seniors basketball tournament at the Philsports Arena.

The Fighting Maroons smothered the defending champions with a game-long brilliance to nail their first win of the season and first over the Blue Eagles since 2004.

Veterans Mark Lopez and Woody Co came away with 15 points each, scoring the bulk in the second half as the Maroons finally broke through after three straight losses.

It was also the Maroons’ first victory over the Eagles in eight games since the former shocked the latter, 74-69, on Sept. 2, 2004.

Ateneo coach Norman Black also took his first loss to UP since he took over the coaching reins from Joel Banal four years ago.

The Eagles, led by reigning MVP Rabeh Al-Hussaini’s 17 points, absorbed their first loss in four starts, enabling the Far Eastern U Tams and the University of Santo Tomas Tigers to gain a piece of the lead.

“We felt like champions,” said an ecstatic UP coach Aboy Castro, who whopped it up with the rest of the Maroons at center-court after claiming what could probably be the biggest upset of the tournament.

“It was like David and Goliath,” said Castro. “That’s what we actually talked about in the dugout. Our resident pastor Morian Gingerich gave us a neat lesson on David and Goliath and I think it was very apt for today’s (yesterday’s) result.”

The victory also brought to mind UP’s 1986 winning season.

Knocking down off-balanced, shot-clock beating triples and perimeter shots and pouncing on the Eagles’ erratic play, the Maroons held their fancied, fellow Katipunan-based rivals at bay in the fourth quarter to fashion out the victory.

Down 29-35 at the break, the Maroons went to Alvin Padilla and Carlo Gomez in whipping up a big third quarter storm to grab a 46-41 lead going into the final period.

The 6-7 Al-Hussaini tried to spark a rally by pumping in 10 points but failed to draw support from the rest of the Eagles.

UP thus held Ateneo to its lowest output since the latter fell to FEU, 55-65, on July 21 four seasons ago.

The Maroons also shot superbly from the field in the fourth quarter, making eight of nine shots while the Eagles sputtered as they missed 10 of their 15 attempts.

Earlier, last year’s runner-up La Salle made key stops in overtime as it survived Adamson, 64-63, to post its second straight win after back-to-back setbacks.

David fells Goliath in UAAP's big upset

MANILA, Philippines - University of the Philippines, dishing out its best against an Ateneo team playing its worst, pulled off a king-size 68-58 victory -- its first in five years - in a Sunday shocker in the UAAP seniors basketball tournament at the Philsports Arena.

The Fighting Maroons smothered the defending champions with a game-long brilliance to nail their first win of the season and first over the Blue Eagles since 2004.

Veterans Mark Lopez and Woody Co came away with 15 points each, scoring the bulk in the second half as the Maroons finally broke through after three straight losses.

It was also the Maroons’ first victory over the Eagles in eight games since the former shocked the latter, 74-69, on Sept. 2, 2004.

Ateneo coach Norman Black also took his first loss to UP since he took over the coaching reins from Joel Banal four years ago.

The Eagles, led by reigning MVP Rabeh Al-Hussaini’s 17 points, absorbed their first loss in four starts, enabling the Far Eastern U Tams and the University of Santo Tomas Tigers to gain a piece of the lead.

“We felt like champions,” said an ecstatic UP coach Aboy Castro, who whopped it up with the rest of the Maroons at center-court after claiming what could probably be the biggest upset of the tournament.

“It was like David and Goliath,” said Castro. “That’s what we actually talked about in the dugout. Our resident pastor Morian Gingerich gave us a neat lesson on David and Goliath and I think it was very apt for today’s (yesterday’s) result.”

The victory also brought to mind UP’s 1986 winning season.

Knocking down off-balanced, shot-clock beating triples and perimeter shots and pouncing on the Eagles’ erratic play, the Maroons held their fancied, fellow Katipunan-based rivals at bay in the fourth quarter to fashion out the victory.

Down 29-35 at the break, the Maroons went to Alvin Padilla and Carlo Gomez in whipping up a big third quarter storm to grab a 46-41 lead going into the final period.

The 6-7 Al-Hussaini tried to spark a rally by pumping in 10 points but failed to draw support from the rest of the Eagles.

UP thus held Ateneo to its lowest output since the latter fell to FEU, 55-65, on July 21 four seasons ago.

The Maroons also shot superbly from the field in the fourth quarter, making eight of nine shots while the Eagles sputtered as they missed 10 of their 15 attempts.

Earlier, last year’s runner-up La Salle made key stops in overtime as it survived Adamson, 64-63, to post its second straight win after back-to-back setbacks.

Tams, Tigers bludgeon rivals, climb to second

MANILA, Philippines - Far Eastern U and Santo Tomas pulled off contrasting victories yesterday and gained a share of second place behind reigning titlist Ateneo in the 72nd UAAP basketball tournament at the Philsports Arena.

The Tamaraws waylaid the National U Bulldogs, 82-57, while the Tigers edged the University of the East Warriors, 92-88, to move up to No. 2 with identical 3-1 records.

Ateneo is on top of the standings with three wins in a row.

It was also UST’s first win over UE since an 82-81 decision in the Final Four of 2006. That year the Tigers won the title by stunning Ateneo in the finals.

“It’s a good feeling we finally won against them after a long while,” said UST coach Pido Jarencio, the same coach who led the Tigers to their last UAAP crown.

Smart Gilas Pilipinas standout Dylan Ababou asserted his leadership as he took control in the final quarter where he scored 11 of his game-high 28 points to seal it for the Tigers.

Khasim Mirza, also in his last season, poured in 20 points, including eight in the first quarter where the Tigers gained control early while sophomore Chris Camus had 12 points and 14 rebounds.

FEU coach Glen Capacio kept Smart Gilas Pilipinas mainstays JR Cawaling and Aldrech Ramos out of the starting lineup in anticipation of a smaller, quicker NU squad.

It worked wonders as the Tams matched the Bulldogs’ speed to break the game wide open en route to their third straight win after dropping their first game to Ateneo.

“I knew NU is smaller and quicker so I started players who can match their quickness,” said Capacio.

It also benefited Cawaling who made six of first seven shots coming off the bench.

The Bulldogs absorbed their third loss in a row after hurdling the State U Maroons in their opening match.

After sputtering in the first half, the Warriors unleashed a series of vicious runs to score 35 points in the third period, the highest in a quarter this year, and turn things in their favor, 71-65.

Playing like the Tigers of old, UST clawed back behind the heroics of the troika of Ababou, Mirza and Camus to regain control.

It was Ababou, however, who shone the brightest as he led an 11-point barrage in final four minutes of play, including a key three-point play that put the Warriors away for good.

“I know that it’s my responsibility to my teammates, to be their leader,” said Ababou.

Tams, Tigers bludgeon rivals, climb to second

MANILA, Philippines - Far Eastern U and Santo Tomas pulled off contrasting victories yesterday and gained a share of second place behind reigning titlist Ateneo in the 72nd UAAP basketball tournament at the Philsports Arena.

The Tamaraws waylaid the National U Bulldogs, 82-57, while the Tigers edged the University of the East Warriors, 92-88, to move up to No. 2 with identical 3-1 records.

Ateneo is on top of the standings with three wins in a row.

It was also UST’s first win over UE since an 82-81 decision in the Final Four of 2006. That year the Tigers won the title by stunning Ateneo in the finals.

“It’s a good feeling we finally won against them after a long while,” said UST coach Pido Jarencio, the same coach who led the Tigers to their last UAAP crown.

Smart Gilas Pilipinas standout Dylan Ababou asserted his leadership as he took control in the final quarter where he scored 11 of his game-high 28 points to seal it for the Tigers.

Khasim Mirza, also in his last season, poured in 20 points, including eight in the first quarter where the Tigers gained control early while sophomore Chris Camus had 12 points and 14 rebounds.

FEU coach Glen Capacio kept Smart Gilas Pilipinas mainstays JR Cawaling and Aldrech Ramos out of the starting lineup in anticipation of a smaller, quicker NU squad.

It worked wonders as the Tams matched the Bulldogs’ speed to break the game wide open en route to their third straight win after dropping their first game to Ateneo.

“I knew NU is smaller and quicker so I started players who can match their quickness,” said Capacio.

It also benefited Cawaling who made six of first seven shots coming off the bench.

The Bulldogs absorbed their third loss in a row after hurdling the State U Maroons in their opening match.

After sputtering in the first half, the Warriors unleashed a series of vicious runs to score 35 points in the third period, the highest in a quarter this year, and turn things in their favor, 71-65.

Playing like the Tigers of old, UST clawed back behind the heroics of the troika of Ababou, Mirza and Camus to regain control.

It was Ababou, however, who shone the brightest as he led an 11-point barrage in final four minutes of play, including a key three-point play that put the Warriors away for good.

“I know that it’s my responsibility to my teammates, to be their leader,” said Ababou.

La Salle wins finally

MANILA – The ignominy of falling to a 0-3 start did not go to the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers.

Instead, it went to University of the Philippines (UP) as the Green Archers took advantage of the Fighting Maroons’ second quarter futility to finally score a win, 73-63, in the 72nd University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) at the Philsports Arena Thursday.

Down 5-16 early in the game, the Green Archers made a big push against UP. They held the Fighting Maroons to its second worst quarter to grab the lead by the end of the first half, 29-25.

UP only scored four points in the second period, its worst output since a 2-point quarter score in the 2007 Season.

Back-to-back triples by Hyram Bagatsing and Joshua Webb capped off a big 14-4 opening salvo by the Archers in the third canto to widen the gap, 43-29.

The Fighting Maroons rallied to cut the deficit to four, 41-45, but that was the closest they could get.

“In this particular game, we have addressed our (offensive) problems. I hope it’s the turning point of our season,” a relieved La Salle coach Franz Pumaren said.

It was the Archers’ first win in the season after losses to the University of the East Red Warriors and the Far Eastern University Tamaraws.

“It was my worst start but if you really look at it, it was not that bad. The two teams who beat us are title contenders. They have bunch of veterans. The problem is I spoiled some (people) too much in not losing two straight games,” Pumaren added.

Veterans James Mangahas and Bader Malabes finally showed the leadership that was lacking in the Archers’ first two losses. The duo combined for 29 points, seven boards and three steals. Sophomore Joshua Webb also came up with his best game tallying 13 points, seven in the decisive third quarter.

Carlo Gomez led the Fighting Maroons with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Maroon guard Martin Reyes was shut down after scoring 11 first quarter points. By Alder T. Almo

The scores:

DLSU 73 – Mangahas 15, Malabes 14, Webb 13, Villanueva 8, Ferdinand 6, Bagatsing 6, Barua 4, Bringas 3, Tolentino 2, Atkins 2, Mendoza 0, Marata 0, Manguera 0, Co 0.



UP 63 – Gomez 14, Reyes 11, Padilla 10, Lopez 6, De Asis 6, Sison 4, Coo 4, Reyes 4, Gamboa 2, Braganza 2, Astorga 2, Maniego 0, Hipolito 0, Juruena 0.

Quarters: 17-21, 29-25, 50-45, 73-63.

For more UAAP, visit uaapsports.com

La Salle wins finally

MANILA – The ignominy of falling to a 0-3 start did not go to the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers.

Instead, it went to University of the Philippines (UP) as the Green Archers took advantage of the Fighting Maroons’ second quarter futility to finally score a win, 73-63, in the 72nd University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) at the Philsports Arena Thursday.

Down 5-16 early in the game, the Green Archers made a big push against UP. They held the Fighting Maroons to its second worst quarter to grab the lead by the end of the first half, 29-25.

UP only scored four points in the second period, its worst output since a 2-point quarter score in the 2007 Season.

Back-to-back triples by Hyram Bagatsing and Joshua Webb capped off a big 14-4 opening salvo by the Archers in the third canto to widen the gap, 43-29.

The Fighting Maroons rallied to cut the deficit to four, 41-45, but that was the closest they could get.

“In this particular game, we have addressed our (offensive) problems. I hope it’s the turning point of our season,” a relieved La Salle coach Franz Pumaren said.

It was the Archers’ first win in the season after losses to the University of the East Red Warriors and the Far Eastern University Tamaraws.

“It was my worst start but if you really look at it, it was not that bad. The two teams who beat us are title contenders. They have bunch of veterans. The problem is I spoiled some (people) too much in not losing two straight games,” Pumaren added.

Veterans James Mangahas and Bader Malabes finally showed the leadership that was lacking in the Archers’ first two losses. The duo combined for 29 points, seven boards and three steals. Sophomore Joshua Webb also came up with his best game tallying 13 points, seven in the decisive third quarter.

Carlo Gomez led the Fighting Maroons with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Maroon guard Martin Reyes was shut down after scoring 11 first quarter points. By Alder T. Almo

The scores:

DLSU 73 – Mangahas 15, Malabes 14, Webb 13, Villanueva 8, Ferdinand 6, Bagatsing 6, Barua 4, Bringas 3, Tolentino 2, Atkins 2, Mendoza 0, Marata 0, Manguera 0, Co 0.



UP 63 – Gomez 14, Reyes 11, Padilla 10, Lopez 6, De Asis 6, Sison 4, Coo 4, Reyes 4, Gamboa 2, Braganza 2, Astorga 2, Maniego 0, Hipolito 0, Juruena 0.

Quarters: 17-21, 29-25, 50-45, 73-63.

For more UAAP, visit uaapsports.com

Eagles rout Tigers; Warriors win

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo went to its small man when its big guy began to sputter in foul trouble and the Eagles soared to their third straight victory with a 93-77 rout of the UST Tigers in a duel of unbeaten teams in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Philsports Arena yesterday.

The 5-6 Eman Monfort, back in the mix after being relegated to the second team last season, came out big with a stirring 20-point output, highlighted by six triples, as he powered the Eagles past the erratic Tigers for the solo lead.

Slowed down by early foul trouble, MVP Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who dropped 18 and 27 points in Ateneo’s victories over Far Eastern U and University of the East, struggled for 13 points and four rebounds.

But Monfort, along with Ryan Buenafe, Nico Salva and rookie Magic Tiongson, stepped up to fill the slack.

“I’m happy he’s back, he’s been giving us a big lift,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black of his 5-6 fourth year guard out of Ateneo de Iloilo.

“I thought the entire bench gave us a big lift today (yesterday). Ryan Buenafe, Eman Monfort, Nico Salva and even Justin Chua for that matter coming off the bench, they really helped our cause in this game,” he said.

Eric Salamat scattered 14 points while Salva, Tiongson and Chua combined for 17 points in dealing the Tigers their first loss after a 2-0 start.

Allen Malixi paced the Tigers with 20 points while Dylan Ababou and Khasim Mirza had 17 and 13 points, respectively. But the Tigers played erratic in the first half, enabling the Eagles to score on transition to build a 52-35 lead at the turn.

“Last year it was a learning experience for me being in the second team for a whole year of training. But I just keep on playing every game, it was a blessing in disguise,” said Monfort.

The Eagles actually made 11 of the 24 triples, forcing the UST defense to spread out but giving the defending champions good looks in the perimeter and down low.

“We’ve done a better job shooting threes this year. We shot about 18 percent on three points last year so we put a lot of emphasis on it last summer. Maybe we overemphasized because of the loss of Chris Tiu that everybody has to step up to be able to hit the outside shots,” said Black.

Earlier, University of the East bucked a slow start with a strong windup as it trounced National U, 73-59, to post its second win in three starts.

Coach Mark Herrera’s Jr. Warriors made it a double victory with a 70-62 lashing of the FEU Baby Tams for their second straight win.

Eagles rout Tigers; Warriors win

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo went to its small man when its big guy began to sputter in foul trouble and the Eagles soared to their third straight victory with a 93-77 rout of the UST Tigers in a duel of unbeaten teams in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Philsports Arena yesterday.

The 5-6 Eman Monfort, back in the mix after being relegated to the second team last season, came out big with a stirring 20-point output, highlighted by six triples, as he powered the Eagles past the erratic Tigers for the solo lead.

Slowed down by early foul trouble, MVP Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who dropped 18 and 27 points in Ateneo’s victories over Far Eastern U and University of the East, struggled for 13 points and four rebounds.

But Monfort, along with Ryan Buenafe, Nico Salva and rookie Magic Tiongson, stepped up to fill the slack.

“I’m happy he’s back, he’s been giving us a big lift,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black of his 5-6 fourth year guard out of Ateneo de Iloilo.

“I thought the entire bench gave us a big lift today (yesterday). Ryan Buenafe, Eman Monfort, Nico Salva and even Justin Chua for that matter coming off the bench, they really helped our cause in this game,” he said.

Eric Salamat scattered 14 points while Salva, Tiongson and Chua combined for 17 points in dealing the Tigers their first loss after a 2-0 start.

Allen Malixi paced the Tigers with 20 points while Dylan Ababou and Khasim Mirza had 17 and 13 points, respectively. But the Tigers played erratic in the first half, enabling the Eagles to score on transition to build a 52-35 lead at the turn.

“Last year it was a learning experience for me being in the second team for a whole year of training. But I just keep on playing every game, it was a blessing in disguise,” said Monfort.

The Eagles actually made 11 of the 24 triples, forcing the UST defense to spread out but giving the defending champions good looks in the perimeter and down low.

“We’ve done a better job shooting threes this year. We shot about 18 percent on three points last year so we put a lot of emphasis on it last summer. Maybe we overemphasized because of the loss of Chris Tiu that everybody has to step up to be able to hit the outside shots,” said Black.

Earlier, University of the East bucked a slow start with a strong windup as it trounced National U, 73-59, to post its second win in three starts.

Coach Mark Herrera’s Jr. Warriors made it a double victory with a 70-62 lashing of the FEU Baby Tams for their second straight win.

DLSU loses again for worst start in 23 yrs

MANILA – The Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws have sent the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers to their first 0-2 start in 23 years.

Playing with poise and composure, the Tamaraws rebounded from a tough loss with a masterful 65-51 win over the young Green Archers in the 72nd University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball at the Araneta Coliseum.

It was a humbling loss for La Salle, who have never experienced a 0-2 start under Franz Pumaren since he joined the team in 1998.

The last time a La Salle team went 0-2 in its first two opening games was in 1986, the year the Green Archers made the jump to UAAP from rival National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA).

The Tamaraws used a late second quarter run to widen the gap from a hotly contested first period.

Smart Gilas-RP team member JR Cawaling teamed up with rookie RR Garcia in the big spurt that gave the Tamaraws a 12-point halftime lead. The Green Archers failed to recover.

“Sobrang gigil kasi magpakita ng mga players ko sa last game. Grabe ang pressure heading into this game, but I’m happy na nakapag-execute sila and stayed focus,” FEU coach Glenn Capacio said.

Capacio adjusted his starting unit by putting Reil Cervantes and rookie Garcia in his second unit. It paid off.

Andy Barroca led FEU with 15 points and got big help from Cervantes, who had a double-double with 11 points and 13 boards, and Garcia, who made 12 markers

A big defensive effort from the Tamaraws held the Green Archers to below 15 points in each quarter.

For the second straight game, not a single player from DLSU scored in double figures. – Alder T. Almo

The Scores:

FEU 65 – Barroca 15, Garcia 12, Cervantes 11, Cawaling 10, Ramos 8, Noundou 4, Tanuan 2, Caluag 2, Manalo 1, Vinluan 0, Sanga 0, Knuttel 0, Excimiano 0.

La Salle 51 – Mangahas 8, Malabes 7, Marata 6, Barua 6, Bringas 5, Tolentino 4, Bagatsing 4, Atkins 4, Ferdinand 3, Webbb 2, Villanueva 2, Mendoza 0, Co 0, Banal 0. Quarters: 14-12, 36-24, 51-37, 65-51. For more UAAP, visit www.uaapsports.com

DLSU loses again for worst start in 23 yrs

MANILA – The Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws have sent the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers to their first 0-2 start in 23 years.

Playing with poise and composure, the Tamaraws rebounded from a tough loss with a masterful 65-51 win over the young Green Archers in the 72nd University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball at the Araneta Coliseum.

It was a humbling loss for La Salle, who have never experienced a 0-2 start under Franz Pumaren since he joined the team in 1998.

The last time a La Salle team went 0-2 in its first two opening games was in 1986, the year the Green Archers made the jump to UAAP from rival National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA).

The Tamaraws used a late second quarter run to widen the gap from a hotly contested first period.

Smart Gilas-RP team member JR Cawaling teamed up with rookie RR Garcia in the big spurt that gave the Tamaraws a 12-point halftime lead. The Green Archers failed to recover.

“Sobrang gigil kasi magpakita ng mga players ko sa last game. Grabe ang pressure heading into this game, but I’m happy na nakapag-execute sila and stayed focus,” FEU coach Glenn Capacio said.

Capacio adjusted his starting unit by putting Reil Cervantes and rookie Garcia in his second unit. It paid off.

Andy Barroca led FEU with 15 points and got big help from Cervantes, who had a double-double with 11 points and 13 boards, and Garcia, who made 12 markers

A big defensive effort from the Tamaraws held the Green Archers to below 15 points in each quarter.

For the second straight game, not a single player from DLSU scored in double figures. – Alder T. Almo

The Scores:

FEU 65 – Barroca 15, Garcia 12, Cervantes 11, Cawaling 10, Ramos 8, Noundou 4, Tanuan 2, Caluag 2, Manalo 1, Vinluan 0, Sanga 0, Knuttel 0, Excimiano 0.

La Salle 51 – Mangahas 8, Malabes 7, Marata 6, Barua 6, Bringas 5, Tolentino 4, Bagatsing 4, Atkins 4, Ferdinand 3, Webbb 2, Villanueva 2, Mendoza 0, Co 0, Banal 0. Quarters: 14-12, 36-24, 51-37, 65-51. For more UAAP, visit www.uaapsports.com

UAAP first day winners part ways

Ateneo takes on another tough rival in University of the East after disposing of pre-tournament favorite Far Eastern U at resumption of action in the UAAP men’s basketball at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Eagles hope to ride the momentum of their 63-59 triumph over the Tams last Sunday as they head to their 4 p.m. encounter with the Warriors, who were also impressive in their debut after clobbering the rookie-laden La Salle Archers, 65-46, in Saturday’s inaugurals.

University of Santo Tomas and National U clash in the other game at 2 p.m. with the Tigers coming off a scrambling 76-75 win over the Adamson Falcons and the Bulldogs routing the Univ. of the Phils. Maroons, 74-64.

Against the Warriors, Ateneo coach Norman Black said he will use a different approach against the Warriors. “It’s a completely different ballgame. FEU is not only a big team but also very athletic. The Warriors are a smaller team but they’re quick and fast so it’s going to be a different match-up as far as our defense go,” said Black.

Black also took note of the Warriors’ shift from a structured offense to a free-flowing one.

“They have a free-flowing offense. They don’t really have much structure to their offense but they seemed to have a good spacing, it means they allow their players to utilize their individual talents,” said Black.

Black was also impressed with UE’s aggressiveness in defense.

UE mentor Lawrence Chongson, meanwhile, said he will lean on the Warriors’ fighting heart and pride to overcome the talented Blue Eagles.

“I cannot think of any formula to beat defending champion Ateneo as of now. All we’ll bring to the game is our heart and our pride. Whether they would be enough or not, we’ll just have to wait and find out,” said Chongson.

Reigning MVP Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who powered his way to 18 points, including six in the deciding stretch of the fourth quarter that stymied the Tams’ rally, is expected to lead the Eagles anew.

UAAP first day winners part ways

Ateneo takes on another tough rival in University of the East after disposing of pre-tournament favorite Far Eastern U at resumption of action in the UAAP men’s basketball at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Eagles hope to ride the momentum of their 63-59 triumph over the Tams last Sunday as they head to their 4 p.m. encounter with the Warriors, who were also impressive in their debut after clobbering the rookie-laden La Salle Archers, 65-46, in Saturday’s inaugurals.

University of Santo Tomas and National U clash in the other game at 2 p.m. with the Tigers coming off a scrambling 76-75 win over the Adamson Falcons and the Bulldogs routing the Univ. of the Phils. Maroons, 74-64.

Against the Warriors, Ateneo coach Norman Black said he will use a different approach against the Warriors. “It’s a completely different ballgame. FEU is not only a big team but also very athletic. The Warriors are a smaller team but they’re quick and fast so it’s going to be a different match-up as far as our defense go,” said Black.

Black also took note of the Warriors’ shift from a structured offense to a free-flowing one.

“They have a free-flowing offense. They don’t really have much structure to their offense but they seemed to have a good spacing, it means they allow their players to utilize their individual talents,” said Black.

Black was also impressed with UE’s aggressiveness in defense.

UE mentor Lawrence Chongson, meanwhile, said he will lean on the Warriors’ fighting heart and pride to overcome the talented Blue Eagles.

“I cannot think of any formula to beat defending champion Ateneo as of now. All we’ll bring to the game is our heart and our pride. Whether they would be enough or not, we’ll just have to wait and find out,” said Chongson.

Reigning MVP Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who powered his way to 18 points, including six in the deciding stretch of the fourth quarter that stymied the Tams’ rally, is expected to lead the Eagles anew.