Mikee Reyes misses game-winning free throws as Ateneo escapes UP
The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons have lost 38 of their last 40 UAAP men's basketball games. But this latest loss was probably the most painful.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles escaped with a 70-69 victory over the upset-minded Fighting Maroons after UP point guard Mikee Reyes missed two free throws with 0.8 of a second left.
Reyes had the chance to be the biggest hero for the Maroons this season as he was fouled by Chris Newsome while attempting a step-back jumper. His first free throw fell short.
With overtime in play, Ateneo asked the officials to review the game clock, possibly to ice Reyes and give him more time to think about the second free throw.
If that was the ploy, it worked. The point guard’s second free throw rimmed out, denying the Maroons a chance at overtime and a possible second win of the season. He faced the UP crowd and raised his hand in an apologetic gesture while the Blue Eagles let out a collective sigh of relief.
Sensing it was a game where he could give all of his players some time on the court, Ateneo head coach Bo Perasol veered away from his usual rotation to play all of 16 players and he almost paid dearly for it.
Down 70-64, JR Gallarza made two free throws after getting fouled by the Kiefer Ravena. The Maroons then forced two Ateneo turnovers. Mikee Reyes made them pay by swishing a triple to cut Ateneo’s lead down to a single point, 70-69.
After an offensive foul by Arvin Tolentino, Diego Dario drove to the basket but he missed a his layup. UP fouled Ravena but the Blue Eagle guard kept things interesting when he missed both his free throws.
Reyes ran the clock down and was fouled by Chris Newsome while taking a long shot. Alas, the UP point guard, the biggest reason why they climbed their way back into the game, succumbed to the pressure.
Ravena led Ateneo with 18 points, five rebounds, and seven assists whle Nico Elorde added 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Reyes led UP with 19 points, three rebounds, and three assists while Gallarza added 18 points and six rebounds. Diego Dario also had a good game with 13 points while Dave Moralde added 11. No other Maroon scored more that three points outside the four.
Reyes immediately tweeted “Blame me” after loss while Gallarza walked out of the court with tears welling in his eyes.
Both teams struggled from the field in the first 20 minutes of the game. Ravena had nine points but he these points were of seven free throws and only one made field goal out of seven tries.
Dave Moralde paced UP with 11 points but he was in foul trouble with three while Mark Juruena had four in the first 20 minutes of action.
Both teams had better rhythms on offense to start the second half. Ateneo got a quick seven points from Nico Elorde and Thirdy Ravena while the Maroons relied on their inside scoring for a 36-30 tally with 6:18 left in the third.
Led by Gallarza, the Maroons headed into the fourth quarter with just a four-point deficit, but they left G-Boy Babilonia wide open for twice to settle the score at 56-48.
The Maroons took advantage of Ateneo’s porous interior defense as Mikee Reyes and Gelo Vito started the fourth with six straight to points to cut Ateneo’s lead down to two points.
Off an Ateneo timeout, Elorde made a triple for the Eagles but Reyes scored five straight points for UP to knot the count at 59-all.
The Main Man: In this win, Ravena’s passing was crucial for the Ateneo win. He got everyone involved on offense which enabled them to build a big enough lead.
Honorable Mentions: Thirdy Ravena and G-Boy Babilonia gave the King Eagle some help as they scored a combined 16 points.
Game Turning Point: UP has lost 11 games this season but none as painful as this. Reyes had the chance give UP the biggest upset of the year but he missed two free throws with 0.8 seconds left in the clock.
He Said It:
Ateneo head coach Bo Perasol: A lot of us think that we can coast. They defended well. We couldn't score when it mattered. I'm glad to get the win. I hope that we can improve against Adamson on Saturday.
The scores
ADMU 70: Ravena 18, Elorde 12, Tolentino 8, Babilonia 8, Ravena T., 8, Newsome 4, Pessumal 4, Doliguez 4, Javellosa 2, Porter 2, Capacio 0, Asistia 0, Apacible 0, Tolentino A. 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.
Quarter: 16-15, 29-24, 58-46, 70-69.
