2009 UAAP Basketball | Defending Champ Ateneo opens campaign edging FEU 63 - 59

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.