Battle of Katipunan - Juniors Edition

Aside from the rivalry between Ateneo and La Salle, the Battle of Katipunan has always been equally fun to watch. Though Ateneo has been in better form as of late, UP seems to always bring their A game whenever they face the Blue and White. If I remember correctly, the last time the Ateneo HS lost to UPIS was in 2007 when Joel Tolentino and Sam Marata still wore maroon jerseys (they are now with the Green Archers). Previous to that was a game I did witness. When a Miggy Maniego led Junior Maroons edged out the Eaglet squad for the right to face the Junior Archers in the finals. The Junior Archers won their first UAAP Championship that year. Aside from those two games, I have never seen UPIS even come close to beating the Blue Eaglets.

Last Saturday's game was like any other Blue Eaglet - Junior Maroon game - total domination. I arrived at the venue at the end of the first quarter with the score at 29-12 in favor of Ateneo. It wasn't much as I expected the team to be leading by a larger amount by that time. But the second period was a totally different story, as Coach Jamike let loose his boys on defense. By the end of the period, Ateneo scored an addition 30 points against UPIS' 5, bringing the half time score to 59-17.

#8 Marky Mercado has adjusted well to the Blue Eaglets tight defensive patterns.
(Blue Eaglets vs UPIS - Filoil Arena, July 31, 2010)

Blowout games, though boring, have a positive side to them, at least to the team that leads. It gives sparingly used players and rookies to get some needed exposure in actual games. And in this particular game, I believe Coach Jamkie used all his players. Even when using 2nd and 3rd stringers, the Blue Eaglets were able to maintain their dominance over UPIS as the ballooned to 52 by the end of the third. And the rampaging Eaglets finished the game with a 101-45 victory.

#5 Mark Gamboa contributed 8 points to help the Eaglets carve out a blowout victory over the UPIS Fighting Junior Maroons.

(Blue Eaglets vs UPIS - Filoil Arena, July 31, 2010)

The game left the Junior Maroons with a similar win-loss slate with their elder brothers at zero wins. One can't help but feel for UP and hope they win one in the long run. For the Eaglets, it is their 6th win in as many matches with only the Junior Archers in their way of a perfect first round. DLSZ is at 3-3 at the moment, but would love to give Ateneo their first loss of the season. But if I know anything about Coach Jamike and his coaching staff is that they wouldn't take any game against any team lightly.

Sparingly used #14 Jan Resurreccion played quality minutes in offense and defense.
(Blue Eaglets vs UPIS - Filoil Arena, July 31, 2010)

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