Faced with their toughest challenge yet, the Ateneo Blue Eaglets were able to rise above adversity.
Down by as much as 13 points in the first half, the Eaglets showed incredible grit and poise to come out with an 86-70 victory over the NU Bullpups to draw first blood in the UAAP Season 80 Juniors finals.
Ateneo center Kai Sotto was a man amongst boys with a triple-double performance of 22 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 blocks. The second-runner of the Juniors MVP showcased his incredible length and size to tower over his opponents. He was a consistent threat on the offensive end while being a dominant force on defense.
"My mindset before the game was to take away the nerves, because we've been practicing everyday. Why should I be nervous?" said a confident Sotto.
Meanwhile, Dave Ildefonso contributed 21 points and seven boards and SJ Belangel was equally superb with an all-around effort of 17 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and five steals.
NU got off to an 8-0 start, dictating the pace and momentum early in the contest. The second-ranked Bullpups showed no fear as they raced to a lead as high as 30-17 midway in the second period. On the other hand, the Eaglets displayed rust after their 11-day break.
By the second half, however, the Eaglets finally woke up and proved why they remain the only undefeated team this season.
"Experience is with NU. We had a shaky first quarter because nobody in our team made it to the finals yet," head coach Joe Silva said.
The experienced mentor called a timeout and rallied his troops. "I called a timeout and said, 'Now you know what it's like to be in the finals, let's just do what we do best.'"
The Eaglets were finally able to taste the lead, 36-35, in the opening moments of the third period thanks to a dunk by Sotto.
Ateneo kept their foot on the gas pedal and went on to enjoy an 18-point lead in the second half. Since being down by 13 points, the Eaglets unleashed a viscous 33-5 run, changing the momentum of contest.
Ateneo is now one win away from the Juniors title, which they last won in 2015. Game 2 between the Eaglets and Bullpups will be on Tuesday, 4 p.m., at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
BOX SCORES
ATENEO 86 - Sotto 22, Ildefonso 21, Belangel 17, Credo 13, David 8, Escalona 3, Manuel 2, Angeles 0, Chiu 0, Jaymalin 0, Lopa 0
NU 70 - Fortea 21, Oczon 13, Amsali 11, Gonzales 8, Minerva 8, Malonzo 4, Manalang 2, Felicida 2, Coyoca 1, Javillonar 0, Pangilinan 0
QUARTER SCORES: 11-17, 31-31, 61-51, 86-70