HoopWatch

The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles ended their season last Sunday, via a 57-62 defeat to their arch rival De La Salle Green Archers. But they fought hard till the last few seconds. If only the desperation three by Chris Tiu would have gone in, they could have won that ballgame and advanced to the UAAP Finals.

But the game went the other way. La Salle won yet again after relinquishing that chance in their first encounter. With the twice-to-beat advantage, the Archers manifested their resiliency and resolve to win the big games. Ateneo has La Salle’s numbers this season. They won three of five matches against the Archers, but they lost the huge games.

With the twice-to-beat advantage up for grabs, La Salle subdued the Eagles. Then last Sunday, with the finals berth on hand for the victor, the Archers won again.

Ateneo has nothing to be ashamed of. They played with a lot of heart. Nobody expected them to be in the thick of things for Season 70’s UAAP Finals appearance. They were ranked behind UE, La Salle, UST and FEU, right in line with NU. This order was determined with the exit of three Star Eagles in JC Intal, Doug Kramer and Macky Escalona. The trio were all drafter in the first round in the PBA Annual Draft.

But Ateneo fought back hard. They were in fifth place at the end of the first round, but won big games against FEU, UST and La Salle. They were not expected to win those games. They were at second place before they lost an all-important game to NU. A very big loss. They dug themselves a huge hole. They failed to seize and grab the opportunity. One lesson Ateneo must need to learn is how to play with a lot of the same intensity after a win against the Archers. Almost each time they defeated the Archers, they always lose their next game. They always appear to spend all their gasses against the Archers, that they appear tired in the next game.

That happened last Sunday. They got tired, and La Salle has done a masterful job clamping down on Tiu, who killed them with big triples in all their three losses. Ateneo failed to secure two all-important defensive rebounds at the end game. That spelled the difference. They were outhustled for those two boards. Those were big let-downs. The Archers were just quicker to the ball. The Eagles tried to come back, but they were sluggish and exhausted. They have spent all their energy in their previous win. And Tiu was nowhere to be found this time.

But then again, they have overachieved. They fought with a lot of heart. All their games against the Archers, the second round win against UST, the game where they exorcised the past year’s demons against UST (they sent them home this time) – these were all classic games.

Only Ford Arao and Zio Laterre will bid goodbye to the blue-and-white gallery this season. There is a lot of hope for this young team. I must say, Season 71 should be the season that the Eagles will win another title. Tiu, Yuri Escueta, Ken Baracosso and Jobe Nkemakolam may come back for their final UAAP year. Rookies Nonoy Baclao and Kirk Long will play bigger roles. I guess anything short of a title will be an underachievement. After the exit last Sunday, I salute the boys for a job well done, and let me say this loud and clear – I still believe! A title is in the offing next year.