Eaglets continue Ateneo’s winning tradition, enter juniors finals

MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Blue Eaglets made up for their senior counterparts' shortcomings for the year as they barged into the finals of the UAAP Season 76 juniors basketball tourney after ousting holders Far Eastern-Diliman, 69-64, Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Aaron Black, son of Ateneo's former multi-titled coach Norman Black, knocked in a jumper then Mike Nieto scored on an easy layup off a steal to seal the crucial win in the stepladder semis that sent the Eaglets into the championship round against unbeaten National U.

The Bulldogs, who romped off with a 14-0 slate in the semis, enjoy thrice-to-beat advantage against Ateneo.

"Winning three against NU is very tough. But if there's any team that can do it, I think it's my boys." said Ateneo coach Joe Silva.

The Eaglets were down by two, 57-59, before Jose Escaler banged in eight straight points capped by a booming triple as they seized a 65-59 cushion with under two minutes left.

Wendell Comboy hit a triple for FEU-D to trim it to 6-65 before Black and Nieto put the finishing touches to the triumph.

 "FEU will always be FEU; they are a talented team, they are a tough team, they're the defending champions." Silva said. "I just told the boys in the fourth quarter that it's winning time."

Mike Nieto turned in a double-double performance of 14 points and 12 rebounds for AdMU while Escaler added 14 markers and newly-minted season MVP Thirdy Ravena chipped in 11 points and nine boards.

Marvin Lee and JJ Domingo paced the Baby Tamaraws with 19 and 15, respectively.

The scores:

Juniors stepladder:

 ADMU 69 - Nieto Mi. 14, Escaler 14, Ravena 11, Black 10, Nieto Ma. 9, Mendoza 7, Ramos 2, Magpoc 2, Salandanan 0, Joson 0, Calilung 0.

 FEU 64 - Lee 19, Domingo JJ 15, Bienes 9, Completo5, Aquino 5, Tabudlo 4, Lumba 4, Comboy 3, Rumbaoa 0, Palinawan 0, Domingo JS 0.

 Quarterscores: 9-17, 32-32, 47-46, 69-64