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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Ateneo exceeded expectations

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The Ateneo Blue Eagles were not ready to represent the country in the recent 2018 Jones Cup Invitational Basketball tournament yesterday at the New Taipei City.

They were supposed to only be there and prepare for the coming 81st season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament when it begins on Sept. 8.

But, the squad went beyond their goals when they played like champions.

Blue Eagles’ coach Tab Baldwin said this after they were honored during a lunch testimonial which Bounty Agro Ventures Inc. President Ronald Mascarinas held in their honor at Bar One, Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City.

“We weren’t ready to represent the country. Our goal back then in January was to begin representing ourselves for our team and supporters when the UAAP begins on Sept. 8. It was immature to put this team on a position to carry such a heavy burden. And I can only commend them for the effort, the will that they had to somehow marshal their forces, and play together before they really had a mature system in which to use to play together,” said Baldwin.

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The Blue Eagles ended up finishing fourth after Matt Nieto struck with 14 points for the Philippines-Ateneo Blue Eagles, which took a 63-70 setback at the hands of Iran at the end of the tournament in Taiwan.

Thirdy Ravena contributed 12 points for the Blue Eagles, who missed a podium finish and settled for fourth place. 

Canada eventually won the crown, with Iran taking the runner-up honors, followed third by South Korea.

The Blue Eagles have been playing in pocket tournaments in the past months, and even went to Greece as part of their preparations for the coming UAAP season.

Mascarinas praised the team for the sportsmanship that they showed during the tournament.

“On and off the court, they made a good account for themselves in representing the country,” said Mascarinas. 

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