WHO can ground reigning three-time champion Ateneo? For nearly four years, that question has yet to be answered.
The high-flying Blue Eagles have not been endangered in the league since October 2018 and are untouchable in 30 straight games across three seasons.
Ateneo dismantled archrival La Salle 74-57 last Saturday for its fourth straight win and the solo lead in the 84th UAAP basketball tournament in a match that will be the last to be staged behind closed doors at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Six-foot-10 naturalized Filipino center Ange Kouame notched a double-double of 16 points and 19 rebounds for the Eagles, while Dave Ildefonso had 12 markers, five boards, and two assists.
Gian Mamuyac also added 11 points, six caroms, and six steals for Ateneo, which hiked its record to 4-0 and handed the Green Archers their first loss for a 3-1 record in a tie with University of the Philippines.
The Eagles came off a 78-47 thumping of the Adamson University Soaring Falcons last Thursday.
La Salle failed to score a big follow-up to its 75-65 win over Far Eastern University also last Thursday.
Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin lauded both teams’ efforts in a duel he described as “a great Ateneo-La Salle game.”
“Tough game. It was never comfortable until the end. The defense was solid in the game as was theirs,” Baldwin said. “I think both teams played themselves to a standstill. It was a great Ateneo-La Salle game.”
Michael Philips led the Archers with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Mark Nonoy and Evan Nelle combined for 20 as main man Justine Baltazar was held to just five points on 2-of-10 shooting.
Beginning tomorrow, fans will be allowed at the MOA Arena in a limited capacity.
Only those fully vaccinated will be allowed inside the Pasay venue, with fans required to present proof of vaccination upon entry.
Health and safety protocols that include the wearing of masks and social distancing will also be implemented. Eating and drinking are only allowed in designated areas.
“We accelerated the opening to a live audience with Alert Level 1 continuing in Metro Manila. Our priority is the health and safety of our student athletes and minimizing the risks of COVID-19. After discussions with our health officers and putting a few additional protocols in place, we are now ready to have fans back in the arena,” UAAP president Emmanuel Calanog said last Friday.
“The UAAP is a competition best experienced with students and alumni supporting their respective schools.”
League executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag said having spectators back is a big move towards the UAAP’s return to normalcy.
“While tournament officials, players and staff are still in a bubble, having fans back in the stands is a significant step back to normalcy for the UAAP,” he said.
