Thirdy Ravena. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Ateneo took the second spot and the last twice-to-beat edge in the Final 4 in the UAAP Season 79 seniors’ basketball tournament after running aground Adamson, 73-67, Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Blue Eagles ended the eliminations with a 10-4 record while the Soaring Falcons settled for fourth seed behind Far Eastern University with an 8-6 record.
Ateneo faces Far Eastern U in the semifinals with while La Salle, which also has a win-once advantage squares off with Adamson.
The Blue Eagles went on a 14-4 run to distance themselves from Adamson with Thirdy Ravena capping it off wit a tip-in after Isaac Go’s miss for a 68-59 lead with 2:01 left in the game.
Ateneo head coach Sandy Arespacochaga said they can’t be contented with their six-game win streak with a match-up against defending champions Far Eastern University ahead.
“It’s gratifying [to know we have a six-game win streak] but we also recognize that we can’t focus on that and be contented,” said Arespacochaga. “We’re on the Final Four and we have an opportunity [for the title], that’s what we’re focused on.”
“There will be a good matchup between Ateneo and FEU, we have to focus on our next game and it helps we have a twice-to-beat advantage.”
Ateneo had to grind it out against a tough Adamson defense as the Blue Eagles made just 26 of its 77 field goal attempts.
Fortunately for the Blue Eagles, the Soaring Falcons converted just 21 of their 58 shots.
“It wasn’t a really beautiful game in terms of field goal percentage, it became a defensive game,” said Arespacochaga.
Ravena led Ateneo with 14 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists while Mike Nieto had 12 points and eight rebounds.
Papi Sarr had 17 points and 23 boards for the Soaring Falcons.