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Ateneo routs FEU, books third straight UAAP Finals stint

By JUSTIN KENNETH CARANDANG, GMA News

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The Ateneo Blue Eagles are once again going to the UAAP Finals after demolishing the FEU Tamaraws, 80-61, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Katipunan-based squad dominated most of the game, with the Eagles outscoring FEU in the first three quarters. ending the third quarter at 59-36.

Ateneo even led as much as 31 during the 2:53 mark of the third period, 59-28, after a Thirdy Ravena triple.

It was only in the fourth period when FEU outscored Ateneo in scoring, 25 against the Eagles' 21 points. 

"We knew that coming into the game, we're up against a tough FEU team who just had two great wins against Adamson and La Salle," Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arrespacochaga said.

"We got off to a good start and we were able to sustain it. We wanted to make sure that there would be no dips in our performance. FEU is a tough team so we had to make sure that our players is on top of their games regardless of the time and score because they showed a lot of heart so we wanted to give them that due respect," he added.

Ravena led the Eagles with 22 points and seven rebounds, despite receiving his fifth foul late in the game.

For him, the Tamaraws made it hard for the Eagles to earn the win.

"FEU didn't make it easy for us. Nagmukhang madali dahil sa lamang ganun, pero every single possession, binibigay talaga nila lahat. That's really what's hard about defending FEU. Props to FEU and it was a good game."

 

 

For FEU, no player scored in double digits. Kevin Eboña led the Tamaraws in scoring with nine points, while Kenneth Tuffin listed 12 rebounds.

Today's match was Ateneo and FEU's fourth straight Final Four face-off since 2015. Three years ago, FEU had the twice-to-beat advantage in the semi-finals and eventually came out as champions for Season 78. In Seasons 79 and 80, the Tamaraws forced do-or-die matches against the Eagles—a feat they were not able to do this season. 

"Alam namin na they have nothing to lose. That's what's scary about them. We just have to make sure that we play like defending champions. Our team did a really good job for that," Ravena said.

Ateneo will wait for the winner of the do-or-die game on Wednesday between the Adamson Soaring Falcons and the UP Fighting Maroons. 

Asked about their possible opponent, Arrespacochaga said both teams deserve to make it to the Finals.

"Any team is gonna be tough. I have no idea who will come out as the winner. Both are deserving to make it to the Finals. We'll be watching intently and we'll see. We'll have to prepare for any team. Anyone is a formidable opponent in the Finals so let's see what will happen in the Finals," the Ateneo assistant coach said.

 

 

"May the best team win. It's been a dog fight the last game so we'll see. Hindi naman kami pumipili ng kalaban. We're just here to prepare," Ravena said. — LA, GMA News

Tags: uaap, uaapseason81
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