THE PREVIOUS shock loss only got Ateneo all fired up.
Bouncing back strong from an upset dealt by University of Santo Tomas, the defending champion Blue Eagles ripped title contender National University, 89-65, yesterday to grab a share of second place in the UAAP men’s basketball at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Eagles rolled to a 28-17 start and kept their double-digit edge the rest of the way with Nico Salva, Kiefer Ravena, Greg Slaughter and Justin Chua putting on a show in front of a 16,000-strong crowd.
Far Eastern University earlier needed another clutch performance from its backcourt aces to nip La Salle, 48-46, and grab the solo lead with a 2-0 record.
The Tamaraws completed another escape act as Cris Tolomia knocked in the game-winning jumper with 47.6 seconds left. The thrilling win came exactly a week after the Tamaraws nosed out the University of Santo Tomas Tigers, 73-72.
“We just wanted to play a complete 40 minutes,” said Eagles coach Norman Black after his four-time champions recovered from a meltdown last Thursday, where they blew a 19-point lead and lost, 71-70, to the Tigers.
“I told the guys that game was a wake-up call for us, that we should recognize our mistakes,” said Salva, who paced the Eagles with 21 points and five rebounds.
Terrence Romeo paced the Tamaraws with 10 points and five rebounds, while Tolomia finished with seven points.
The Tamaraws struggled against a team that played minus key guards LA Revilla (tendinitis) and Luigi Dela Paz (coach’s decision).
The Archers still had a shot at winning the game after FEU forward Arvie Bringas missed two foul shots with 12.8 seconds remaining.
But Almond Vosotros’ three-point attempt rimmed out at the buzzer.
In juniors’ action, FEU stayed unbeaten in two games as reigning MVP Jerie Pingoy fired 22 points to lead the Baby Tamaraws past the Tiger Cubs, 82-66.
Antonio Asistio also shot 22 to power the Eaglets (1-1) past the UP Junior Maroons, 92-75.
The Seniors scores:
First Game
FEU 48—Romeo 10, Tolomia 7, Hargrove 7, Pogoy 6, Garcia 6, A. Bringas 5, Cruz 4, Belo 3, Mendoza 0, Escoto 0, M. Bringas 0.
LA SALLE 46—Andrada 8, Vosotros 8, Mendoza 8, N. Torres 8, Teng 6, Tallo 4, Van Opstal 2, Tampus 2, Torres 0, Webb 0, Manguera 0.
Quarters: 15-11, 23-26, 35-34, 48-46
Second Game
ATENEO 89—Salva 21, Ravena 17, Slaughter 14, Chua 12, Gonzaga 9, Tiongson 8, Elorde 3, Buenafe 3, Erram 2, Porter 0, Pessumal 0, Capacio 0.
NU 65—Parks 22, Mbe 14, Villamor 10, Ignacio 6, Roñ0 5, De Guzman 2, Betayene 2, Alolino 2, Khobuntin 1, Javillonar 1, Rosario 0, Neypes 0, Labing-isa 0.
Quarters: 28-17, 55-34, 72-54, 89-65