INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Blue Eagles made one excellent defensive stop in the endgame to win, 63-59, against the Far Easter U Tamaraws and start its UAAP title defense on a high note Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

With 13 seconds left, FEU’s final possession ended in the hands of rookie point guard Ryan Garcia but could not convert on what could have been a game-tying three pointer.

The Blue Eagles started out strong, pouring in 40 points in the first quarter after a barrage of three-pointers.

But the Tamaraws were able to trim down the lead in the succeeding quarters behind the skillful playmaking of Andy Barocca.