Monfort fires up Ateneo past State U

The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles enter the second round of UAAP Season 73 with the same goal they had in the first—grab one of the top 2 slots before the Final Four. Their first assignment, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.

The winless Maroons were not to be taken lightly, and Coach Norman Black sent in his formidable first five: Eric Salamat, Frank Golla, Ryan Buenafe, Justin Chua, and Kirk Long. But it looked like a bit of a struggle for the Eagles at first, before Buenafe scored their first twinner. It looked like practice for both teams, as an exchange of baskets ensued, but the Maroons seemed a little more comfortable on the hardcourt. A Chua hook from about 18 feet made it 15-11, but UP was having none of it and kept up its perimeter shooting. A two from Nico Salva had Ateneo up, 17-16, at the end of the first quarter.

Emman Monfort seemed to think that the game was too close, so he opened the second quarter with a booming triple. He quickly followed it up with a steal off UP’s next possession, made the two points off the fast break, got the foul, and made the free throw. Then, he made another three-pointer for good measure. Monfort was on rapid-fire mode and in just one minute and six seconds, the score was 26-16. As the quarter progressed, he made another three-pointer before a spate of fouls that had Coach Black and the rest of the coaching staff scratching their heads were called on the Eagles. Salva returned to the bench with a hurt finger after a particularly physical encounter with the Maroons and would not return to this game. But Monfort’s efforts were not in vain, and Ateneo held the lead at 37-29 at the end of the second quarter.

The Eagles seemed to lose their timing in the opening minutes of the third quarter, as the Maroons did their best to snatch the game from their Katipunan neighbors. A three from Salamat finally found its mark, and a quick two from Buenafe put a halt to the Maroon onslaught. The Eagles seemed to finally hit their stride and made it 48-37 with less than four minutes to go in the quarter. A triple all the way from Iloilo from Monfort, followed by one of his more acrobatic twinners closed the quarter for Ateneo at 57-43.

But Monfort wasn’t quite finished yet. He opened the final quarter for the Eagles with yet another three-pointer. It seemed like frustration finally got to State U as Maroon Alvin Padilla elbowed Ateneo rookie Arthur dela Cruz during a dead ball situation. The Eagles were awarded two free throws plus ball possession, making life even harder for the struggling Maroons. A nearly impossible alley-oop from Buenafe off a Salamat assist further signaled the end for State U, who still managed a couple more threes. As the final whistle sounded, the Blue Eagles emerged victorious, 75-59.

“We’re a little unpredictable this year,” said Coach Norman Black, “we have more options offensively, we’re more balanced.”

He also added that almost any of the Eagles could very well step up in every game. He commended Monfort for his efforts during practice, where he “shoots the lights out.” He also mentioned dela Cruz for his efforts, citing his toughness and fearlessness, even in his rookie year.

Dela Cruz, for his part, thinks that they still have work to do in the second round. “We need to be more consistent as a team,” explaining that while it is good that someone steps up every game, they need to work on this aspect of their game.

Monfort, the rather diminutive Iloilo native, was all business at the press room after the game. He finished 23 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals in 19 minutes of action.

On being asked if 23 points was his career high and how he felt about it, he shrugged off the question. “I don’t care about my career high, we won, that’s what’s important.” He also said that the win was dedicated to Coach Gene Afable’s father, who passed away.

The Blue Eagles’ next game is against the resurgent National University Bulldogs. Game time is on Thursday, August 19, 4PM at the Araneta Coliseum. See you at the games. One Big Fight!

The staff of goATENEO.com extends its condolences to Coach Gene Afable and his family.

By Ceres Lina