UAAP: Eaglets down Baby Tams, face Bullpups in finals

The Ateneo Blue Eaglets defeated the FEU Baby Tamaraws in the playoff step-ladder format, 69-64, to earn the right to play the National University Bullpups in the UAAP Juniors Basketball finals.

 

Michael Nieto and Jose Escaler chipped in 14 points each to lead the Eaglets. Thirdy Ravena added 11, while Aaron Black scored 10.

 

The Eagles bucked a slow start, going down 17-9 in the first period before outscoring the Baby Tamps 23-15 in the second to tie it at 32-all by the half. The two teams would head into the final period with Ateneo ahead by just one, 47-46.

 

Six points from Escaler in the final minutes pushed Ateneo ahead, 65-59. Wendell Comboy hit a trey to keep FEU close, but Aaron Black countered with a jumper to sustain the Eaglets' lead for the victory.

 

Marvin Lee led FEU with 19 points while JJ Domingo added 15.

Ateneo shot a bit better with a 23-of-61 clip for 37.7 percent, while FEU settled for hitting 25-of-73 for 34.2 percent. The Eaglets also drained 19-of-24 for a 79.2 clip from the free throw line. The Baby Tams, on the other hand, struggled by hitting just 7-of-13 for 58.3 percent. - AMD, GMA News