MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) — Chris Javier hit back-to-back baskets in the final 3 minutes and University of the East escaped Ateneo de Manila University, 74-69, in the men's basketball tournament of UAAP Season 78 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Red Warriors kept their Final Four hopes alive with a 5-8 record, though their fate is no longer completely in their hands.
UE needs to win their last game, a match with the UP Fighting Maroons on Wednesday, November 18 that was rescheduled from last month due to Typhoon Lando. They also need both the NU Bulldogs and the DLSU Green Archers to lose their respective remaining games.
"We're fighting for our survival," UE head coach Derrick Pumaren said. "Even though we had a slim chance, we just came out and got ready against Ateneo."
The Blue Eagles finished the eliminations 9-5 and are locked in third place. With Ateneo's loss, the FEU Tamaraws already secured the second twice-to-beat beat advantage.
Clark Derige topscored for the Warriors with 17 points while veteran bigman Javier posted 13 points and 5 rebounds. RR De Leon added 10 markers for the rebuilding squad.
"We kept our poise in the end when we weren't making baskets in the fourth quarter," said Pumaren, who wants his team to go all out despite the rough road of knockout games awaiting the Warriors in case of a 3-way tie for the fourth spot.
"The chance that we have, we hope we continue that in our next game. It doesn't matter if we make it or not. We're going all out on Wednesday. Habang may buhay, may pag-asa (While there is life, there is hope)."
UE certainly showed spunk and resilience Saturday as they recovered just in time after blowing a 14-point third quarter lead, allowing Ateneo to lead by 60-56 with under 5 minutes left.
Team captain Javier connected on a lay-up and a short stab and added a free throw to break the 60-all deadlock and give UE a 65-60 edge with 1:36 remaining in the game.
Kiefer Ravena and Ateneo tried to play the foul game but ultimately fell short even as Ravena buried a 3-pointer in the closing seconds, 72-69.
"Wasted opportunity," admitted Ravena, "but we have to focus on the present right now, see who we will face (in the Final Four) after this game."
The reigning UAAP MVP paced the Blue Eagles with 28 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal. Von Pessumal was the only other player in double figures with 10 points as Ateneo was limited to just 5 points in the second quarter.
"Sometimes, we don't really click at the same time," Ravena said of Pessumal's quiet showing as he went 3-of-11 from the field. "But when it counts the most, I know Von will be ready to step up."
Newcomer Aaron Black provided quality minutes off the bench with a near double-double of 8 markers and 9 boards in almost 27 minutes.
Scores:
UE (74): Derige 17, Javier 13, De Leon 10, Batiller 9, Yu 8, Varilla P. 7, Palma 6, Charcos 4, Cudal 0, Sta Ana 0, Varila J. 0.
Ateneo (69): Ravena 28, Pessumal 10, Black 8, Wong 5, Capacio 4, Ikeh 4, Nieto 4, Babilonia 2, Tolentino A. 2, Tolentino M. 2, Cani 0, Gotladera 0, Pingoy 0, Go 0.
Quarter scores: 16-21, 35-26, 53-51, 74-69.
— Rappler.com