THE REIGNING champions Ateneo Blue Eagles escaped the upset axe that was being swung by the University of the East (UE) as they survived the Red Warriors, 74-70, in the 74th UAAP basketball tournament yesterday at the Araneta Coliseum.
More importantly, Ateneo’s 10th straight win enabled them to clinch the first slot in the Final Four and kept their bid for a sweep of the eliminations alive. A sweep enables them to barge into the finals outright.
However, the victory did not come on a silver platter as the Red Warriors put up a gallant stand that started in the first half which saw them lead, 37-33, at halftime.
Erwin Duran got the ball rolling for the Red Warriors as he helped his team take a 17-15 lead after the first canto.
Then it was JM Noble’s turn to wax hot for UE as he scored nine in the second frame that pushed the Red Warriors to the halftime lead.
But the Blue Eagles brought out their championship experience and dialed up the intensity in the third canto.
With Kiefer “The Phenom” Ravena picking the pockets of the UE guards leading to easy baskets, the Blue Eagles went on an 11-2 run that allowed them to seize a 44-39 lead. They eventually took a 56-49 lead into the fourth stanza.
Ateneo had a 72-64 advantage with 42 seconds left but UE hit consecutive three-pointers that closed the gap to two, 70-72, with 19 ticks left. Ateneo was not to be denied as Emman Monfort sealed the win with two free-throws. Correspondent Jonas Panerio