The First Skirmish (or the Hair Game)

Ateneo 72 vs. De La Salle 78
FilOil Pre-Season Tournament
words by rick olivares
team pix by rick and ryan b shot by miggy mendoza

The De La Salle Green Archers’ hair is safe. For now.

During a team practice several weeks ago, forward-center PJ Walsham reminisced about last season’s spectacular success. Yet he also admitted that they dodged one huge bullet against their arch-rivals who also prompted them to head for a barber’s razor earlier in the season. “We shaved our heads as a sign of unity,” he said with a laugh while he stretched on the floor after practice. “It’s hot now but we’d like to keep our hair.”

In the first match-up between the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the De La Salle Green Archers since the Final Four of last UAAP season, the kings of the college basketball scene survived another near-end game miracle and overtime to go home with a 78-72 victory.

It was the pre-season, sure. But any time the two teams meet expect no quarter to be given.

“It’s a good thing the game was on a weekend or else I would have canceled my company’s board meeting,” smiled businessman and Ateneo alum Joey Leviste who chafed at being unable to watch Blue Eagle basketball for some time now. “C’mon. Let’s get our priorities straight.”

Outside the team dugout, team captain Chris Tiu gathered his team. He talked to the team about the importance of being composed for a game like this yet playing with a lot of energy. It was about helping teammates and playing within the system. It wasn’t yet the UAAP because it would be infinitely crazier not to mention noisier as it was hard to speak up with the roar coming from the Arena.

Nearby, Norman Black leaned against the wall with his arms folded and said, “I am fortunate enough to have veterans who can help calm the new players. Everyone’s pumped up. A game like this will help prepare them for the ones that really matter. So it’s all part of the learning experience.”

Dressed in their new jerseys, the team broke with a “One Big Fight” and headed to their court entrance to watch the final moments as the Blue Eaglets steeled themselves for a scintillating win over the La Salle Greenhills Greenies. Ryan Buenafe, the most-ballyhooed recruit in recent years by any school looked composed as he watched the wind-up of the juniors match. “Sana makatulong ako,” he said.

And he did. With 18 huge points to back-up Chris Tiu in double digit scoring. And the rook did it by beating his man with a wicked crossover leaving James Mangahas in the dust and bowling over vets Rico Maierhofer and Walsham with their behinds on the court in a display of hangtime and upper body strength. Fr. Nemy Que S.J., the team chaplain and head of the Admissions Office would chuckle every time Buenafe pumped faked his guards for a deuce. “Gigil ako nung una,” remarked the frosh about his miserable first quarter as his shots couldn’t find the bottom of the net.

At one point in the third period, Norman Black left his three rookies – Buenafe, Nico Salva, and Justin Chua -- on the floor during a crucial stretch in the third as they kept the Archers at bay. It was highlighted by a crafty drop pass by Salva to Chua after Maierhofer and Ferdinand tried to impede the Ateneo frosh’s drive. The bucket made it 39-33 Ateneo.

But it wasn’t only the Blue Eagle rooks who showed plenty of promise. La Salle’s Hyram Bagatsing played the fireman’s role as Jayvee Casio was out with an injury and Bader Malabes a fever. Point guard LA Revilla conjured visions of former great Tony Boy Espinosa with his speed, derring-do, and flair. It won’t take long before we see some alley-oop slams between him and Maierhofer.

In truth, the game was Ateneo’s to lose. Despite leading practically all game long, the match seemed headed for another arresting finish. A six-point lead in a close match with La Salle is practically a luxury. While never safe, it serves as a cushion.

Ateneo’s defense kept them in the lead with Casio and Malabes out and unable to break the zone. But when Bagatsing found the range and PJ Barua nailing medium range jumpers, the floor opened up for Maierhofer to chip in five big points to help forge 65-all tie.

With 7.8 seconds left in the regulation, the ball was given to Buenafe to create his own shot. But the Archers were ready as they three defenders at him once he began his dribble as the last offensive fizzled out badly.

In overtime, the Eagles stayed close until the last two minutes when a series of misplays put the game beyond reach.

“Panalo na, natalo pa,” one Ateneo supporter muttered as a dejected blue gallery filed out.

“I’d rather lose now than later,” exclaimed Debbie Tan, the team’s liaison with corporate sponsor PLDT. “It’s tough but that’s the way it is. We’ll get better for this.”

“Na muntikan na naman kami,” said a happy PJ Walsham after the game as his victorious team headed for the dugout. “But good game by both teams. Alam namin na kahit lamang yung Ateneo bago mag-overtime kaya namin humabol.”

And rightly so for no lead is safe in any Ateneo-La Salle game until the final buzzer has sounded. But the Archers’ mop of hair is. For now.

Personal notes:

I thought that while it was good for the ball to go to Ryan Buenafe for a game winner, his set-up, where he tries to beat his man with a quick and deceptive first step wasn't ideal for the situation. He takes a few seconds and the Green Archers are a smart team. They sent three -- David Webb, Maierhofer, and Mangahas at Buenafe with their hands trying to distract him and to prevent an outlet. In the meantime, they covered Chris Tiu. Buenafe will learn from this experience.

The substitution of Rabeh Al-Husseini and Jai Reyes towards the end of the OT elicited quite a few raised eyebrows. Kirk Long, kept on the freezer for awhile was ice cold for a trey and not the best option to take one. Surprisingly, no one was close to the basket for an offensive rebound. Maybe Nonoy but not even close.

Nico Salva has a high-arcing free throw shot that should it miss will bounce high and a bit away from the pit. So expect a long rebound. If he feels that he doesn't have the shot then maybe he should go in for the offensive rebound.

All this time and opponents still get under Rabeh's skin with a little nudge or some trash talking. Just play the game. As Mai says, that's what made Ford Arao so valuable. He'd smile and walkaway. Pikon talo.

If Chris and Jai have their outside artillery jammed, we're in for a long game.

Watching the team playing in the Nike Summer League. The team while obviously finding its rotation and its bearings will really need Kirk Long to step up. Man, I'm not sure if Vince Burke is ready yet for action. I'd rather see Jobe or even Vince Fran in there.