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Ateneo de Manila University's Isaac Go (L) and Tab Baldwin |
By Denison Rey A. Dalupang via Philstar
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MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Blue Eagles entered the UAAP season having spent their initial games looking for identity.
But in the second round, armed with rookies, sophomores, third-year cagers and just two seniors, they assumed the role of a villain to a myriad teams -- including the defending champion Far Eastern University and this season's favorite De La Salle.
On Wednesday, the Eagles sustained their surprising run as they dispatched the Tamaraws in overtime, 69-68, to arrange a dream finals match with archrival De La Salle University.
"You needed a sledgehammer and a crowbar to separate these two teams," said Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin. "We weathered the fourth quarter storm. Our guards dis a good job against Arong."
"I don't think anybody deserved to lose this game," he added. "My heart goes to coach Nash (Racela)."
Thirdy Ravena provided the lift for the Blue Eagles. He finished the game with 13 points to go with Mike Nieto's 13. Isaac Go, who got left bloodied in the fourth period, finished with 12 markers and 14 rebounds.
Go, who hurt his nose after a play, came back to the game and scored on a crucial putback to give the Eagles the lead with 1:20 left in the extra period.
The Tamaraws, for their part, were not one to go away easily. Raymar Jose corralled every rebound possible, Monbert Arong shot every look to keep it close, and Ron Dennison facilitated plays when the team scrambled for stability.
But the latter wasn't just able to nail it when it mattered the most, as the officials ruled out a bucket that would've sent FEU back to the ultimate showdown.
Arong tallied 15 points in the game, while Jose was in his usual double-double self, registering 12 markers and 12 boards.
The Eagles, who last met the Archers in the Finals in 2008, will lock horns with the heavy favorites this Saturday, December 3, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
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