The UAAP: Season 77: The King Eagle Flies HIGH!

Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo torched UE with a career-high
38 points in a thrilling overtime win for the Blue Eagles
(Image from: GMA Network)

The Blue Eagles knew what awaited them if they finished the first round of play with a win over the University of the East Red Warriors; solo first place atop the standings after most critics projected them to be in the middle of the pack (or missing out in the Final Four) due to this being a "rebuilding" year. Well after 7 games, the Eagles are not in the middle and definitely not at the bottom. Being at the top feels so very good but that feeling should not last too long since another 7 games await them.

The UAAP: Season 77: Blue Eagles caught by the Bulldogs

Kiefer Ravena was ready to play the Bulldogs.
However, so were the Bulldogs
(Image by: Rolly Mendoza)

Hard to imagine that it was only over a week ago when King Eagle, Kiefer Ravena bombarded the De La Salle Green Archers with five (5) threes in the 4th quarter. Ravena was hot and unstoppable in that game. He couldn't miss. Others like Arvin Tolentino, Von Pessumal, Nicho Elorde and Fonzo Gotladera also helped. That was a team win.

Well, a mere ten days after and things were different for Kiefer and the Blue Eagles during their last game. Ravena couldn't buy a basket versus the NU Bulldogs and his 13 points were not enough to give Ateneo a hot 4-0 start to Season 77. Tenacious defense from NU and Ateneo's abysmal shooting led to the Eagles' demise. The Bulldogs won 64-60 as they dominated the glass and out-rebounded the Blue Eagles by a total of 48-33. The smaller Eagles could not contain Alfred Aroga and Glenn Khobuntin who combined for 27 boards. Even the seldom-used Kris Porter was inserted into the starting lineup to see if he could slow down the daunting front-line of the Bulldogs. That tactic didn't work. Porter only played 8 minutes but finished with 2 points and 3 rebounds.

The UAAP: Season 77 - Ateneo vs La Salle Round 1

A sea of blue and white welcomed me at the Ateneo side of the Araneta
(All photos by: Rolly Mendoza)

What's better than writing about basketball? Watching LIVE basketball!

I haven't been to a live UAAP Mens' Senior Basketball game in years. I think my last game was 10 years ago, maybe more. Fortunately, I was able to watch the first round game between Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University last Sunday. The coliseum was packed and loud! Nothing beats cheering for your alma mater!