The Games That Play Us: The Start of SOMEthing NEW?

See what I did there?

I mean, all we really need to talk about is that superb exclamation point of a slam by Chris Awesome, right?

It’s the kind of play that punctuates a statement win – the kind of play that can excite fans and teammates and, maybe, turn a whole season around.

Chris Newsome's slamma jamma reignited the flames in Loyola.
(image by Arvin Lim/Fabilioh.com)

Never mind Kiefer Ravena slowly looking more like his true self in scoring 15 points and dishing out 3 assists.

Never mind that Ryan Buenafe continued his stat-stuffing ways with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.

Never mind that Ateneo was +11 in rebounds and +9 in assists.

Never mind that the Eagles shot 35% from downtown.

Never mind that the Katipuneros finally strung together a terrific third period, outscoring UP, 19-10.

Never mind all those trappings.

All that really matters is Juami Tiongson leading the break and Newsome streaking on the right wing.

All that matters is that Juami launched a nifty lob that Newsome caught and authoritatively slammed through the tin.

Six frames of CHRIS AWESOME.
(image by Philip Sison/Fabilioh.com)

It’s not that the team’s production pales in comparison, but more than the numbers and the stat-crunching (that’s fun, of course), Basketball is really a game of moments, and that moment – especially those few seconds Newsome hung on the rim and pointed to the crowd – might be remembered, should the Eagles make a miracle of this long season, as the turn of the tide.

Jason Ligad tries to evade Kiefer Ravena.

Von Pessumal drives strong against Moriah Gingerich.

AdMU BLUE EAGLES over UP FIGHTING MAROONS, 72-64

Ateneo 72- Ravena 15, Newsome 13, Buenafe 13, Tiongsom 9, Golla 6, Pessumal 4, Erram 4, Elorde 4, Tolentino 2, Capacio 2, Muprhy 0, Lim 0, Asistio 0

UP 64 – Marata 22, Ligad 10, Ball 10, Soyud 8, Lao 7, Desiderio 3, Wong 2, Asilum 2, Suarez 0, Pascual 0, Gingerich 0, Gallarza 0, Amar 0

QS: 19-17, 38-30, 57-40, 72-64

Key Performances:

Ryan Buenafe (AdMU) – 13pts, 7rebs, 2asts, 1stl, 1blk

Juami Tiongson (AdMU) – 9pts, 8rebs, 6asts, 1stl

Sam Marata (UP) – 22pts, 4 triples, 4 asts, 3rebs, 1stl, 1blk

Unless otherwise specified, all images are by Jan Dizon/Inboundpass.com.