By Paulo Diesta

The Ateneo Blue Eagles Boys’ basketball team faced off against Lourdes School of Mandaluyong (LSM) Griffins in the Philippine Athletic Youth Association (PAYA) 19U Basketball Championship last April 21 in Xavier School, San Juan City. 

Both schools battled it out with Ateneo facing defeat in a close fight, earning them a silver finish. 

Prior to this, the fourth seed Ateneo had won as the underdogs, beating the number one seeded Xavier School in the semifinals, which earned them the ticket for the finals.

In a match for the gold medal, a close and competitive match ensued between Ateneo and Lourdes School which spanned all four quarters until the clincher in overtime. Both schools traded plays, none letting their foot off the gas as only the slightest room for error would lead to the opponent’s victory. 

Despite a great showing from the two championship teams, one prevailed at the top which was Lourdes after executing crucial shots in the final minutes of overtime.

Play-by-Play

The highly-anticipated game began with Lourdes School acquiring first possession from the tip-off. From the onset, the Griffins were able to score a lay-up which Ateneo responded to with one of their own.

Maintaining the same momentum was Lourdes School as they connected in a couple of mid-range shots and lay-ups, earning a 8-13 headstart.

It was a fast-paced exchange from both teams, as the Blue Eagles inched their way in closing the Lourdes lead. 

After a couple of free throws, they eventually muscled their way through the rim and scored a lay-up to equalize the scoreboards at 22 apiece. 

As the second quarter began, Ateneo and Lourdes engaged in a back-and-forth trend as they both had a quick answer for the previous play. 

The defense coming from the two schools were tight, not allowing any mistake which lead to a fastbreak by their opponent. 

In one of the sequences, Lourdes carried out smooth ball movement towards a lay-up which drew contact from Ateneo’s defense, granting them an and-one.

For most of the second quarter, Ateneo held a slight edge which was eventually reversed by Lourdes in the final minutes with three-point plays for a 36-41 final score at halftime. 

Ateneo set up tight screens in the third quarter to neutralize a portion of their opponents’ offense. However, Lourdes did the same, which posed difficulties for the Blue Eagles to close the lead. 

Given the competitive nature of the match, the quarter ended with one of the largest leads at 48-55, with Lourdes being ahead of the game.

Knowing that they are currently behind coming into the fourth quarter, Ateneo upped their offensive intensity. Players started sinking threes from deep, cutting the Griffins lead in a matter of minutes. 

With the score at 62 on both sides, Ateneo hit a crucial three pointer to put them on top. Despite being under critical conditions, Lourdes remained composed and responded with a long game-saving three off the glass in the final seconds.

Their clutch shot tied the match at 65-65, marking the end of regulation and sending both teams in overtime.

Both schools showed even greater urgency with the championship on the line. Lourdes School initially held a small lead, until a well-timed lay-up from Ateneo erased the point deficit. 

A sudden burst of energy coming from the Griffins crowd occurred when Lourdes players sank a three pointer. To top this off, they drew free throws which were the daggers to seal off the match with the final score listed at 72-77.

It has been a successful season for Lourdes School of Mandaluyong, as the Griffins maintained an exemplary performance which culminated in their championship win. The same can be said for their fellow avians as the Ateneo Blue Eagles showed heart and worked their way towards an impressive silver finish. 

Meet the Ateneo Blue Eagles Boys’ Basketball Team

The Ateneo Blue Eagles are comprised of:

Noah Ajon (12-Evans)

Evan Aromin (12-Anchieta)

Patrick Chan (12-Beyzym)

Adolf Cruz (12-Bobola), Co-captain

Karol Go (12-Bobola)

Myko Neri (12-Miki)

Miel Oppus (12-Evans)

Prince Padolina (12-Evans)

Sean Redondo (12-Evans)

Joaquin Zaballa (12-Evans), Co-captain

Anton Adevoso (11-De Brito)

Cobi Fetalvero (11-De Brito)

Santino Palma Gil (11-Angelis)

Ralph Gregorio (11-Brebeuf)

MJ Imson (11-Fontoura)

Gabe Jorge (11-De Brito)

Alex Langitan (11-Campion)

Rex Silvestre (11-Brebeuf)

JV Trinidad (11-Hurtado)

Kelo Ymasa (11-Fontoura)

Lucas Bautista (10-Nelson)

Renzo Gatmaitan (10-Rodrigues)

Team Managers:

Wyatt Sese (12-Bobola)

Marty Santos (12-Arnaiz)

Coaches:

JM Pilares

Jeff Mangubat