Ateneo in no-sweat triumph over ‘lifeless’ Maroons squad

By Arman Carandang

07/20/2008

Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) met little resistance as expected yesterday, scoring a 83-66 victory against a University of the Philippines (UP) team that struggled all day long in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament.

Awesome and fearsome were the Blue Eagles in both ends of the court as they made mincemeat of the Maroons in a game they reduced to a virtual workout in preparation for tougher games ahead at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig .

It took only the first 10 minutes for the Blue Eagles to size up the Maroons using their usual run and gun play complemented by tough defense, and by the time the game reached its halftime, victory was already felt by coach Norman Black’s charges.

The Blue Eagles checked at halftime with a 43-33 lead — an advantage too small and shaky, yet equally-assuring for the Eagles — all because UP showed only token resistance.

Occasionally, the Maroons would bring forth a set play, but they themselves could not seem to complete, often missing open shots. Only Martin Reyes and Arvin Braganza showed some bright plays, but they were not enough to turn the tables on Eagles.

The victory was the fourth straight for Ateneo, which has now become the target of everybody — which was the same situation for University of the East last year — but nevertheless gave Black some reason to be all smiles as he entered the press room of the Philsports Arena.

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