By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles were quick to move on from their disappointing loss to the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers and bounced back against the UST Growling Tigers, 79-52, in the ongoing UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.
After a nip-and-tuck affair in the first two quarters of the ball game, the Blue Eagles displayed another signature third-quarter avalanche after unleashing a 14-2 scoring run.
From a one-point lead, the Blue Eagles suddenly extended their advantage to 13 points, 51-38, with 3:38 remaining in the third.
Ateneo then didn’t look back and doubled their scoring spree in the last quarter courtesy of its balanced offensive attack.
Dave Ildefonso had a terrific finish for the Blue Eagles after starting the game cold with only one made field goal on his way to 10 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
It was the former Gilas Pilipinas swingman who also ignited Ateneo’s third-quarter spurt after burying back-to-back three-pointers.
Forthsky Padrigao also redeemed himself from a dismal performance against the Green Archers and tallied 20 big points, eight assists, five steals, and three rebounds.
“The players felt not great at halftime, but the coaching staff felt that it wasn’t really that bad. If we stuck to the job, and we have good players, they were gonna hit shots,” said coach Tab Baldwin.
Meanwhile, the Growling Tigers had an efficient start against the Blue Eagles and matched their firepower with their high-volume pick-and-roll play.
The duo of Nic Cabanero and Adama Faye kept the Growling Tigers within striking distance but ran out of gas in the second half.
Cabanero led UST with an all-around effort of 12 points, four rebounds, and two assists while the physical Faye chipped in eight points in the loss.
The Growling Tigers will look to snap its losing streak when they face the University of the East (UE) on October 16.
On the other hand, the Blue Eagles will set up a highly-anticipated UAAP Season 84 grand finals rematch against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons on the same date.
