Bulldogs squeak past Blue Eagles, make first UAAP finals in 44 years

The National University Bulldogs ended their 44-year UAAP Finals drought as they overcame a twice-to-win disadvantage by beating the Ateneo Blue Eagles 65-63 in their second Final Four game, Wednesday afternoon at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Gelo Alolino scored the game’s final five points as they remained perfect against the Blue Eagles in four meetings this season.

Ateneo had one last shot at winning the game or forcing overtime in the last play but, as always, NU’s defense held when it mattered most as Alfred Aroga blocked a layup attempt from Kiefer Ravena.

The ball stayed loose as the buzzer sounded. The Bulldogs and their legions of fans exploded in celebration soon after.

All season long, the question for NU was who would take over when push came to shove. Without their star Rayray Parks, UAAP pundits were doubtful if they could win close games without a closer. In their breakthrough win, a new closer emerged for the hungry Bulldogs.

Down 63-60, Alolino stepped back after a pick-and-roll play to drill a cold-blooded three point shot.

He faced NU’s crowd and shook his head as if to say ‘I’m here, don’t look for who’s not.” Ateneo came up empty in their next two possessions as all they managed to put up were two difficult jumpers from Kiefer Ravena.

Alolino swung the tide to NU’s favor as he sank two free throws after being fouled by Nico Elorde with nine seconds left in the game.

During the timeout, the electricity in the arena fluctuated causing some of the lights to stay off. The two teams decided to wait out for the arena lights to warm up again before proceeding with the final play.

Aroga led the Bulldogs with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks. Alolino added 12 points and five rebounds.

Chris Newsome ended his UAAP career with 22 points on 10 of 15 shooting from the field. Ravena added 18 points but he struggled from the field once again as he only made 25% of his 24 shots.

After a tight first quarter for both teams, it was NU that grabbed a 12-8 advantage.

The Bulldogs built a double-digit lead at 23-13 early into the second quarter, an advantage that has seemed inevitable in all their games against Ateneo. This time, however, the Blue Eagles quickly fought back thanks to the shooting of Newsome.

A buzzer-beating triple from the graduating forward sliced their deficit down to five points, 32-27, at the half.

Newsome led all scorers after the first 20 minutes with 15 points on an efficient 7 of 9 shooting from the field. Ravena added five points for Ateneo but he struggled, making only 2 of 10 field goal attempts.

Aroga led the Bulldogs’ charge with eight points at the half as he attacked relentlessly. Troy Rosario added six to their case.

NU outrebounded Ateneo 24-15 in the first quarter. The Bulldogs’ bench also outperformed the Blue Eagles as they scored 17 points against only three points for Ateneo.

The Blue Eagles finally got their offense going in the third quarter as they connected on three triples. Von Pessumal scored Ateneo’s last five points of the penultimate quarter to give the blue and white a 47-46 lead heading into the fourth.

The Main Man: Alolino changed the outcome of the game with two fearless attacks; one was a three point shot and the other resulting to two free throws.

Honorable Mention: Aroga was a rock on defense once again, helping the  Bulldogs outrebound the Eagles, 45-31.

Game Turning Point: Ateneo went to their bread and butter play in the last possession. Ravena was able to shake off his initial defender but Aroga met him on the paint to block the King Eagle’s game-tying attempt.

They Said It:

NU head coach Eric Altamirano: It was favorable for us kasi defense naman kami. Napahinga sila e. It was like starting from scratch. Natuyuan sila ng pawis. We knew where they were going to go and we stopped it so I thank Alfred Aroga again for saving us again.

Gelo Alolino: Sinabi ni coach kanina sa floor “You’re the best point guard of the season. You’re our leader.” Happy ako na na-lead ko yung team sa finals pero team effort kami throughout.

The scores:

NU 65: Aroga 14, Alolino 12, Khobuntin 11, Rosario 9, Javelona 8, Neypes 4, Diputado 3, Alejandro 2, Perez 2, Betayene 0, Atangan 0.

Ateneo 63: Newsome 22, Ravena 18, Elorde 8, Pessumal 8, Babilonia 4, V. Tolentino 2, Gotladera 1, Capacio 0, A. Tolentino 0, Apacible 0.

Quarters: 8-12, 32-27, 46-47, 65-63.