HoopWatch

The Ateneo de Manila University orchestrated a magical comeback from ten points behind at the end of third, pulling a 72-71 season upset of the University of Sto. Thomas Growling Tigers. The much hyped American rookie Kirk Long answered all critics as he shot a fade-away jumper over the outstretched arms of UST center Gervy Cruz, the number one candidate for MVP this season, as time expired.

For the second straight game, the Blue Eagles have exacted back-to-back victories over the teams that beat them in the first round, badly. It appeared though that Ateneo was heading to another loss as the Tigers imposed their will from the outside and inside. They played with extreme confidence, bordering near-cockiness. Wait, they were cocky. Cruz and company were laughing and fooling around throughout the first three quarters.

But the Eagles never let up, and with their game faces on, they stirred a run that broke the hearts of the Tigers. It was an important game for them as they want to stay in the hunt for a final four berth in the UAAP. Ateneo is now at 6-4 in the standings, while UST dropped to 6-5. It was an exciting match for last year’s finalists. (photo courtesy of http://yyseco.multiply.com/photos)