One Down...

The Ateneo Blue Eaglets won the second game of the Finals today at the Araneta Coliseum against the UST Tiger Cubs, 76-66. It was a big win for the Eaglets as they will only need to win one more game to win it all this Sunday. The Eaglets weren't the only ones prepared for the encounter, Fr. RB Hizon together with the Ateneo administration brought along all the seniors to watch and cheer their classmates who were playing on the court. And their presence made a definite impact on the Blue Eaglet's game.

Kiefer Ravena vs Kevin Ferrer. Kevin is sure to get the MVP trophy, but Kiefer is one game away from leading his team to the championship.
(Blue Eaglets vs UST, Finals Game 2 - Araneta Coliseum, September 16, 2010)

Picking up where they left off...

UST started the game waxing hot as they went on a 0-7 run topped off with a 3-pointer from their 2nd scoring option, EJ Corre. It was clear that UST wanted this game just as bad as the Ateneans as they would score in runs to counter every Ateneo basket. Towards the end of the quarter, UST even led by as much as 12, 8-20. A last ditch effort by Kiefer Ravena, Jay Sacluti and Gerard Austria salvaged the quarter and brought the lead down to single digits, 13-20 in favor of the Tiger Cubs.

The Comeback...

The second quarter saw the Eaglets slowly but surely hack at the UST lead. It started with a Von Pessumal lay in to start the period and a Lambert Tenorio three pointer. Though UST was still quick to respond to the threats of the Eaglets as they fought back with 6 points of their own to still lead it by 8, 18-26. Then Ateneo went on a 16-3 run capped by a great assist by Kiefer Ravena to a streaking Jay Javelosa and a booming three pointer by Kiefer Lim. Ateneo finally found themselves on top, 34-29. UST scored one more basket, but Ateneo matched this with a Kyle Suarez lay-in over the outstretched arms of Kevin Ferrer and a last second shot by Keifer to end the half, Ateneo 38 UST 31.

Kyle Suarez powers the ball to the hole over Kevin Ferrer. Kyle's lay up helped keep the Tiger Cubs at bay at the end of the first half.
(Blue Eaglets vs UST, Finals Game 2 - Araneta Coliseum, September 16, 2010)

Tigers Threaten...

UST opened the 3rd quarter with a three pointer. That seemed to bring the Tiger Cubs back to life as they were able to bring the lead down to 3 towards the end of the quarter. Corre continued to lead the offensive attacks of UST as Kevin Ferrer was feeling the defensive adjustments of the Eaglets. However, Kiefer Ravena wasn't going to allow the Tiger Cubs to gain any momentum going into the final period. He scored 13 of his 32 points in the third and even scored on a solo 5-2 run towards the end of the quarter to bring the lead back up to 5, 55-50.

Kiefer Ravena on a solo fast break. Kiefer scored 13 of his 32 points in the 3rd quarter to lead the Blue Eaglets in scoring.
(Blue Eaglets vs UST, Finals Game 2 - Araneta Coliseum, September 16, 2010)

Regaining the Momentum...

The final period saw the Eaglets seize the momentum for good from the Tiger Cubs. Ateneo started hostilities with a quick basket from Von Pessumal and Kiefer Ravena that increased their lead to 9. UST sued for time and got to respond quickly with a three pointer. This was immediately answered by Marky Mercado with a three pointer of his own. A basket each from both teams brought the score to 64-57, Ateneo still in the lead.

All game long Ateneo played straight up, pressure defense on Kevin Ferrer. It was obviously affecting his game as he scored only 6 markers up to this point. Frustration must have been mounting inside him as in one play, he threw an elbow at Jay Sacluti that merited him an unsportsmanlike foul and two free throws for Jay. Jay may have missed both gift shots, but the bigger fish was caught. Kevin Ferrer frustrated, with only 6 points and his fourth personal foul.

That incident sparked a 7-0 run by the Eaglets increased their lead to 12, ADMU 69 - UST 57. That scoring run was highlighted by a three-man play between Kiefer Ravena, Jay Sacluti and Marky Mercado. Marky was streaking down the court on a fast break, then passed the ball behind his back to a waiting Kiefer who then shot a quick pass to Jay S. for the lay in. That play not only confused Kevin Ferrer who was the lone defender in the paint, but also finally silenced the Tiger Cubs for good. Ferrer would score a three pointer in the next play, but those proved to be his last as he finished the game with 9 points.

Mercado to Ravena to Sacluti. The pinpoint accurate passing of the Eaglets in this play gave them their biggest lead of the game at 12 points.
(Blue Eaglets vs UST, Finals Game 2 - Araneta Coliseum, September 16, 2010)

With Ateneo comfortably ahead by 9 points and with less than three minutes left in the game, Coach Jamike sent in his shock troopers to finish. With baskets from Chuck Dumrique, Mio Puno and Marky Mercado, the 2nd team was able to maintain Ateneo's lead. The game ended with a score of 76-66. The Eaglets winning margin of 10 points, was the largest they have had all season long against UST. And if I remember correctly, the largest they have had including last year's elimination and Final Four matches.

The Eaglets are now one win away from winning their threepeat. UST now is faced with the task of beating Ateneo twice in a row. The next game will be critical for both teams. For UST, a win on Sunday would give them back momentum and a second chance at winning the trophy. For Ateneo, it is a matter of continuing the momentum they had regained. For the Eaglets, it is time to give it their all and finish off the Tiger Cubs.

One game down. One game to go. One Big Fight!