July 15, 2010 (Part 1); Ateneo escapes "Battle of the Birds"

The Katipunan-based Ateneo squad escaped with a nail-biting 69-66 win over their "Bird Rivals", the San Marcelino-based Adamson squad at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, to score their first victory in the 73rd season of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

Nico Salva led the Blue Eagles with 10 markers, 11 boards and 3 dishes to help Ateneo bounce back from a sorry defeat handed by the Far Eastern University last Sunday.

It was a close game with the Falcons threatening to put Ateneo in a 0-2 hole at the start of the season.

The Falcons' Alex Nuyles' slam to the basket before the end of the buzzer in the 3rd tied the scores at 52-all.

Adamson was actually leading over defending champion Ateneo, 63-59, midway through the 4th quarter.

Timely baskets by the Eagles, coupled with the Falcons’ foul troubles, put Ateneo ahead in the final 2 minutes of the game, 67-64.

Nuyles scored a quick 2 points to bring the scores to 67-66 with just 11.5 seconds remaining.

Time, however, wasn’t on Falcons’ side as they were forced to foul Ateneo’s little big man, Emman Monfort with just 6 seconds remaining.

Monfort sealed the victory for Ateneo by sinking 2 charities for their 1st win in 2 starts.

Adamson, meanwhile, absorbed their first loss in 2 starts, at 1-1.

So there you have it! You guys have just been fed!

God bless you guys! Stay safe! Peace out! The Wizard was here...:)

Comments, questions and suggestions are highly appreciated! :)