PCCL Finals Game 1: Falcons upset Eagles

Coach Leo Austria’s Falcons broke a long running losing streak against Coach Norman Black’s Eagles in the battle of feathered foes in the 2010 Philippine Collegiate Champions League.

Defending champions Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles had the rug pulled from under them by the Adamson Falcons, 78-80, in Game 1 of their best-of-three PCCL finals series Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Ateneo dominated the odd quarters playing unselfish basketball. The Eagles fed off assists and made a 16-5 blitz in the third quarter to solidify a 66-55 lead going into the final quarter.

The Eagles, however, went into early penalty in the fourth, giving Adamson confidence to move the ball around more and execute.

Emman Monfort shot a dagger from beyond the arc to give Ateneo a 78-77 lead with a little over 30 seconds to play.

Ateneo shot a dismal five field goals in the final quarter.

Adamson’s Alex Nuyles emerged in the clutch to break the deadlock, 75-77. Nuyles pulled up a basket with 54 ticks left in the game. He then followed it up with a three-point play off a drive that put Ateneo in a 78-80 situation.

Nuyles tallied 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists to lead his flock who are a game away from a championship.

Time was not on Ateneo’s side. The Eagles botched their last two possessions for the win. A foul off Adamson’s Rodney Brondial stopped the clock for Ateneo to set up a play in 2.3 seconds.

Nico Salva found himseld trapped by defender Jan Colina in the dying seconds.

Ateneo looks to bounce back in Game 2 on Sunday, 4PM at the Philsports Arena. The game will be aired live on Studio 23.

Quarter scores: 21-9, 37-37, 66-55, 78-80

Box scores:
Ateneo 78 - Chua 13, Salamat 12, Salva 10, Gonzaga 10, Austria 9, Monfort 8, Golla 6, Long 5, Tiongson 3, Escueta 2

Adamson 80 – Colina 18, Nuyles 13, Alvarez 11, Lozada 11, Cabrera 7, Brondial 6, Canada 5, Camson 4, Stinnett 3, Manyara 2