Blue Eagles, Knights hurdle rivals

Playing its first game after a bitter finals defeat in the UAAP, Ateneo dominated Philippine Maritime Institute, 87-73, to open its title campaign in the Collegiate Champions League at the Blue Eagle Gym yesterday.

The Eagles, who lost the UAAP crown to the UST Tigers in a classic finale, showed early why they’re the top seeded team in the annual classic, doubling the Admirals’ output at one point, 44-22, behind a 16-2 run capped by three-pointer from Eman Monfort before coasting to the victory.

"We’re still emotionally drained. Puso na lang ang nagdala sa amin sa laro," said coach Sandy Arespacochaga, pinch-hitting for Norman Black who is currently in Toronto, Canada.

The Admirals failed to come closer than 10 points the rest of the way.

Doug Kramer led the Eagles with 16 points and seven rebounds while Rabeh Al-Hussaini, a non-factor in the UAAP finals, added 15 and 11 rebounds for Ateneo, which faces Mapua in the quarterfinal round next week.

Meanwhile, Letran routed University of Cebu, 81-71, to likewise advance to the quarters against the winner between the Tigers and wildcard entry the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers on Monday.

The Knights got clutch hits from John Meledrito in the final minute to secure their slot in the next round.

Meledrito scored the last six points of the Knights, including a three-point play that stopped the run of the Webmasters and gave them a 78-69 lead, 1:01 left.

"Boyet is a big loss," said Alas, referring to Boyet Bautista, who is now with Purefoods in the PBA. "He’s been the leader of this team for a long time so we really worked hard on ball distribution in practice."

The Knights hardly missed him, anyway.

They had 19 assists on 30 field goals made and didn’t panic even when the Webmasters came charging back in the fourth period.

After trailing by 14 points early in the third, 29-43, the Webmasters rallied behind the hot hands of Jonathan Canceran.