The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles opened up its back-to-back title campaign in 2009 UAAP Basketball by beating one of the highly touted contenders, Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 63 - 59.
FEU, this year's UAAP host, fed off from the crowd to take an 8 - 0 lead. But the Eagles clamped down on defense while Eric Salamat and last year's MVP, Rabeh Al-Hussaini led the Eagles counter attack. Kirk Long, Jai Reyes and 2008 Rookie of the Year, Ryan Buenafe joined the fray to give Ateneo a 17 - 11 advantage after the first quarter.
An inspired Ateneo Second unit shot gave the Eagles a big lift on the 2nd quarter as they padded the lead to 11, 34 - 23. The Eagles displayed an outside shooting they are capable off as Eman Monfort hit two and Buenafe, Niko Salva and Jai Reyes each had one three-point conversion. Only a good performance by Aldrech on the defensive allowed FEU to inch closer. Ramos blocked two shots and connected on a fade away. Ateneo took a 40 - 29 lead at the half.
Reil Cervantes of FEU scored 4 quick points at the start what would be a frenetic 3rd quarter.Last year's top swatters, Nonoy Baclao and Ramos each had defensive moments in this quarter. Stocky-built Noundu also demostrated that he can be a good on ball defender. Barroca tied it at 44 all before Eric Salamat gave the lead back to Ateneo on a fastbreak lay up of his own. The quarter ended with Ateneo still up but only be 3 points, 50 - 47.
The fourth quarter was more of a grind out defensive quarter. Ramos tied game at 54 all. But the Blue Eagles scored the next 7 points with only a little over a minute left in the game. But the Tamarraws were not yet finished. Ramos completed a three-point play on a put back basket and Reil Cervantes scored on a drive to cut the lead to two, 59 - 61. Buenafe added a free-throw before rookie Garcia missed a potential game tying trey. Hussaini finished the scoring 63 - 59 in favor of Ateneo.
FEU has two promising rookies to watch out for, RR Garcia and Nioundo (did not get the complete and accurate name).
On the first game, NU whipped UP.
Roger Federer finally broke a resilient Andy Roddick in the 5th Set of another memorable Wimbledon final to capture the 2009 Wimbledon crown , his 6th and more importantly his 15th Singles Grand Slam title.
The floodgates of the debate as to who is the Greatest Of All Time is now wide open. Federer makes a strong case because he now holds the all-time singles grand slam titles record at 15. And last month, became just the six person to win all grand slam events titles..
The 2009 Wimbledon got on an inauspicious start with the pull-out of defending champ and world no. 1 Rafael Nadal due to injuries. Without Rafa, the road to the title was expected to be easier for Federer. He practically breezed his way to the finals to face Roddick, a foe he has dominated. And everyone thought the title is already in bag.
Everyone was right in the result, not with the way it was achieved.
When I caugght the telecast on cable, it was Roddick who was up a set and leading on the second set tie break 6 - 2. Seeing that score, I already conceded the set to Roddick and check on some other programs. When I came back, it was all leveled up.
With that, I thought Roddick will just implode. More so when Federer won the third set on another tie break. But Roddick played better in the fourth, taking it 6 - 3. The fifth set was a marathon.
Federer had many break opportunities to break Roddick in the match but Roddick kept coming up with booming serves and great plays. I guess it just but fitting that Federer wins after breaking Roddick for the only time in the match.
I salute Roddick for a great match and a great post-match humour. The way each held serve is phenomenal and they kept at it all throughout that is good for the fans and the sport.
Last year finals between Rafa and Fed was called the greatest ever played. This years final comes a close second only because last year featured a better rivalry and the top men in tennis.
Is there anything more to aspire for Federer? A calendar grandslam and a grand slam final win over Rafael Nadal on any surface.
