Ateneo's Team B blitzes La Salle in BBI hoops

MANILA, Philippines — From a 20-11 first quarter deficit to a slim 31-28 halftime lead, the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ Team B got its act together in the third frame to take down their streaking De La Salle counterparts, 74-58, last weekend in Under-25 competition in the sulit.ph Breakdown Basketball Invitationals at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center.

With two-time UAAP-winning coach Tab Baldwin watching from the sidelines, the Blue Eagles struggled in the early goings as La Salle’s Team B stars — Kurt Lojera, Tyrus Hill and Jordan Bartlett — ran their offense and played stingy defense.  

It wasn’t until late in the third period when Migs Fortuna, Jason Credo, Andre Flores and Eroll Pastor injected more energy into their game that Ateneo founds its legs. From a 40-34 lead, two offensive rebounds were translated into four points, 45-34. Both sides matched each other with eight points each to end the third frame. 

Then the Blue Eagles opened the final quarter with a 9-0 run for a 20-point bulge. The Green Archers sued for time and came out with a five-point run. But Ateneo’s Jawaun White doused fire on their rally with a triple as Ateneo coasted to its second win in four outings — matching DLSU with a 2-2 record in the tournament. 

Without Mark Dyke and Encho Serrano (who was not allowed to suit up for disciplinary reasons), La Salle was killed not only off the boards but in the paint. The Blue Eagles grabbed 51 rebounds to the Green Archers’ 41. Ateneo pounded them inside for a 42-20 advantage in points in the paint while scoring 15 points off turnovers.

Gabe Natividad led Ateneo with 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks. White added 12 markers while RV Berjay finished with 10 points and eight rebounds.

For the Green Archers, Ralph Cu was the only player in double digits as he top scored with 14 points to go with six boards.