ATENEO de Manila lost its sting for the second consecutive game, losing to Far Eastern University, 67-80, and suddenly, the Blue Eagles lost what looked like a cloak of invincibility early in Season 80 and are now on the brink of missing the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball Finals.
The No. 4 seed Tamaraws used a second-half surge to negate their top-seeded foes’ twice-to-beat advantage and send the duel to a knockout duel at 4 p.m. on Wednesday at the MOA Arena.
Graduating Tamaraw Ron Dennison made sure he won’t close out his collegiate career on a losing note as he gave life to FEU with 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.
“I dedicated this game to my family because I don’t want to end my UAAP career with a loss,” Dennison said. “I want to play in the Finals.”
“During our last practice, I told my teammates to be strong, stay focused in the game and help each other. And we did it today,” added Dennison as he was applauded wildly by FEU fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ex-Blue Eagles Arvin Tolentino and Hubert Cani contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively, while big man Prince Orizu had 10 points and five rebounds. Richard Escoto was also instrumental with nine points and seven rebounds for FEU.
“We really prepared for this game and we were able to execute,” FEU Head Coach Olsen Racela said. “We were really confident going into the fourth quarter. I told them we have to strong, sustain the momentum and finish strong.”
FEU held on to precarious leads of 21-15 after the first quarter and 38-35 at the half, but stepped on the gas in the third period for a 59-48 advantage entering the payoff period.
Thirdy Ravena trimmed Ateneo’s deficit to 54-61 with a three-point play to start the fourth, but that was the best the Blue Eagles could muster as they soared downwards to a 16-2 FEU run and trailed by 17 points, 75-58, with three minutes to play.
Ravena completed anther three-point play to make it 61-75, but Dennison nailed a dagger three for a 78-61 FEU breather with 1:50 remaining.
Ravena led Ateneo with 17 points and six rebounds, while Mike and Matt Nieto added 13 and 11 points, respectively.
De La Salle is safely perched in the Finals to defend its crown. The Green Archers—who foiled the Blue Eagles’ sweep bid with a made full use of their twice-to-beat advantage by sending the Adamson University Soaring Falcons back to earth, 82-75, last Saturday.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza