Eaglets Outplay Junior Archers, 62-50

The atmosphere in the Filoil Arena was typical of any great rivalry game. The loud beating of the drums, the cheers bellowing from the crowds, the tense feeling in the air, all the elements that describe games played by the greatest rivals in Philippine basketball. And despite a crowd of hundreds (as compared to the thousands who watch the seniors), you knew that a great game was waiting to be played. The Eaglets had already won the first round encounter. For the Junior Archers, it was more than just getting back at Ateneo, it was also ending their 11-game winning streak.

The first quarter started out pretty close. Both teams traded baskets and were tied at 7-all midway through the period. Zobel then went to work on their offense and went on a 8-2 run to end the quarter. The 2 points came from Kiefer Ravena who had limited touches in the period, hampering Ateneo's offense.

Kiefer Ravena drives to the basket.
Despite having limited touches in the first quarter, Kiefer had a good offensive game.
(Blue Eaglets vs DLSZ - Filoil Arena, August 24, 2010)

The second quarter started with Ateneo and La Salle scoring 4 points each. It seemed that the Eaglets couldn't seem to get their offense going so Coach Jamike called for time to get his troops in order. He re-insterted his 1st five to the floor to get the lead back for Ateneo. And they responded by chipping away at the lead a basket at a time. By the end of the half, the Eaglets had gone on a 8-0 run getting Ateneo back on top, 21-19.

Eaglets on the prowl.
Defense still played a key role in Ateneo's win against the Junior Archers.
(Blue Eaglets vs DLSZ - Filoil Arena, August 24, 2010)

In the third quarter, La Salle tried their best to regain the lead, but Ateneo was able to answer each of the offensive runs. Then, with Ateneo still on top, 36-32, Marky Mercado hit a big three pointer that sparked a 8-2 scoring run for the Eaglets. The quarter ended with Ateneo's first double digit lead, 44-34. And it never went back down to single digits after that.

Marky Mercado hits a three pointer.
Marky's shot sparked a 8-2 run, giving the Eaglets comfortable 10 point lead.
(Blue Eaglets vs DLSZ - Filoil Arena, August 24, 2010)

The fourth quarter saw Ateneo little by little exert it's dominance over the Junior Archers. Point by point the Eaglets' lead was increasing. It was highest at 18 when Kiefer hit back to back three pointers and Paolo Romero attacked La Salle's interior defense with a powerful under goal stab. The Junior Archers never recovered as they can only trim down the Eaglets lead to 12. The game ended at 62-50, and Ateneo had gotten their 12th straight victory.

Paolo Romero with a power move to the basket.
Paolo's under goal stab in the fourth quarter gave the Eaglets a big 18 point lead.
(Blue Eaglets vs DLSZ - Filoil Arena, August 24, 2010)

The 12-0 Eaglets have only two more teams in the way of their sweep, FEU and 2nd place NU. With today's win, the Eaglets are already assured of the top spot and twice to beat. Now they focus on the sweep which would give them a huge advantage. If they do get it, they wouldn't have to go through the usual Final Four format and would only play in the best of three finals.

One Big Fight!