Ateneo escapes with win over UP after Mikee Reyes miss crucial freethrows
By Yanzi Eco
September 3, 2014
Almost but not quite.
The UP Fighting Maroons might not be new on losing games but this one could be the most painful and may haunt them for quite a while.
With Ateneo leading by just a point in the crucial moment of the game, UP’s Mikee Reyes failed to hit a pair of freethrows with only 0.08 of a second left in the game after he was fouled by Chris Newsome in a shot attempt. The Blue Eagles sealed the deal with a rebound giving them the win 70-69.
It was a make-or-break moment for Reyes and the Maroons as they were about to upset their Katipunan neighbors but they failed to convert.
Both teams went at it throughout the game but Ateneo, in a way, has been the more dominant team.
Kiefer Ravena and Nico Elorde had 18 and 12 points, respectively. Thirdy Ravena had his career-high 8 points, while Arvin Tolentino dominated the paint with 9 rebounds.
The Maroons slowly fought back in the game led by JR Gallarza leading them with 18 points including some clutch baskets. Mikee Reyes also showed up offensively with 19 points. While Dave Moralde led them in the first half with 11 points.
The scores
Ateneo (70) — K. Ravena 18, Elorde 12, A. Tolentino 8, Babilonia 8. T. Ravena 8, Newsome 4, Pessumal 4, Doliguez 2, Javellosa 2, Porter 0, Capacio 0, V. Tolentino 0, Asistio 0, Apacible 0, Gotladera 0, Lim 0.
UP (69) — Reyes 19, Gallarza 18, Dario 13, Moralde 11, Vito 2, Lao 2, Asilum 2, Juruena 2, Gingerich 0, Harris 0, Bederi 0.
Quarterscores: 16-15; 29-24; 56-48; 70-69.
Follow the writer on Twitter: [social link=”https://twitter.com/yanziboy_” icon=”62218″]
