Quick Fire: Ateneo Blue Eagles beat FEU Tamaraws in physical affair

(Photo Credit: Danica T. Bibera, The GUIDON)

Ateneo Blue Eagles def. FEU Tamaraws 70-59

Notable Players:

Matt Nieto, Ateneo (14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals): Matt was a steady force for Ateneo all throughout, as he managed to keep his cool versus the physical Tamaraws. Considering he did make two clutch free throws versus La Salle, a little physicality shouldn't hurt right?

Raffy Verano, Ateneo (14 points, 2 steals): Raffy is one physical guy, so seeing him thrive in such an environment should come as no surprise. He isn't a go-to guy, but he's an effective piece teams would want.

Ron Dennison, FEU (12 points, 8 rebounds): Ron Dennison three-point pamatay sunogs forever. He's been the most steady player for FEU this season, and it showed in this game.

Arvin Tolentino, FEU (11 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists): It wasn't the revenge game people expected from him, but it was solid nonetheless. Once he tightens up his handle even more, he'll be unstoppable off the drive. He put Ikeh in a blender multiple times last night.

Quick Analysis:

- This was a type of game Ateneo should have lost. It was physical, and their offense had little flow to it. Ateneo had difficulty running pick and rolls, and FEU did a good job of defending the hand-off action the Blue Eagles love to run from the perimeter to start their motion. But, somehow, Ateneo managed to grind it out and get the victory.

- This game showed exactly why defense matters so much in basketball games. When your offense is not going anywhere, what do you do to try and keep pace? The Blue Eagles played some terrific defense as well, not letting the physicality of the game get in their heads. To end, they managed to have one more run in them to close out the Tamaraws.

- FEU will give whoever they face in the Final Four a difficult time, but we should be really scared of the Tamaraws come next season. Only a handful of players are graduating for FEU this season, and their key guys like Arvin, Hubert Cani and Barkley Ebona will still be there next year. Watch out.

- The Final Four is going to be fun, no matter who gets matched up with who. Ateneo, La Salle, FEU and Adamson are all quality teams who have a great shot at beating each other.

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