INQUIRER Sports

The Final Four cast of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines just proved that a successful run in collegiate basketball hinges on a good defensive game plan.

Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University and University of the East emerged as the top four defensive teams based on official league statistics released ahead of the elite battles in the semifinals of the 71st edition of the men’s basketball tournament.

“Our defense is what got us off to a good start,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

The Ateneo Blue Eagles dominated at the defensive end by limiting opponents to just 62.3 points and a 33.7-percent shooting clip in 14 games.

But after ruling the roost with a 13-1 record, the Blue Eagles are expecting a tough semifinal clash on Sunday against the Warriors, the second-best defensive squad who held opponents to only 64.4 points per game.

“We have a lot of respect for UE [University of the East],” said Black, whose Eagles only need to win once in the semifinals to advance to the championship round. “UE had a little bit of a bad run early in the season, but then they decided they’re going to win by defense. And it got them back running again.”

It will be a virtual best-of-three encounter between the defending champion La Salle Green Archers and the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws as they fight for the last twice-to-beat bonus in a playoff on Thursday before clashing anew in the Final Four.

The two squads are also among the top defensive teams with the Tams in third by limiting foes to 69 ppg and the Archers fourth by holding rivals to 69.9 ppg.

Players from the four squads also ruled in key defensive statistics with centers Nonoy Baclao of Ateneo and Aldrech Ramos of FEU sharing the title as the league’s top shot blockers by each averaging 2.6 blocks in 14 games.

Ateneo’s Eric Salamat led in steals at 2.1 per game, followed by FEU’s Mark Barroca at 1.5 spg. La Salle’s JV Casio and UE’s Marcy Arellano tied for third at 1.4 spg.

In junior play, Ateneo and La Salle Zobel clinched the twice-to-beat incentives.