The torrent started in the first quarter and never stopped. Ateneo’s Ryan Buenafe posted-up, Justin Chua scored underneath, Kirk Long filled the lanes and Eman Monfort stepped on the gas to start Game 1 of the UAAP Finals. And the Tamaraws, mesmerized by the Eagles’ first half show, watched it all happen in high definition. FEU players must have muttered, “So this is what a championship series looks like in 3D." The game was close up until the first time-out. Ateneo was ahead 7-4. Then, pandemonium broke out. Seldom-used Ateneo 6’7" rookie JP Erram, whose pounding heartbeat could be heard all the way to Katipunan, blocked two shots in a row. Seldom-used Ateneo veteran Tonino Gonzaga scored on a fast-break, a double-pump off the glass. Ateneo’s starting unit set the tone. The Eagles’ second unit, however, set the volume level to “insane". The Tamaraws hoped the entry of Ateneo second and third-unit players like Erram and Gonzaga spelled sweet relief. A leading team’s benchwarmers are supposed to give the trailing team’s starters a chance to catch their breath. Yet anyone in an Ateneo uniform fired at will. Norman Black could’ve sent Ateneo’s long-time team referee Mang William in the game and he would’ve scored on a fade-away jumper and a tap-board lay-up. Who could’ve predicted that a team’s lack of a go-to-guy would be its biggest weapon all season? Midway through the second period, FEU no longer knew whom to guard. By the end of bedlam, the Blue Eagles led 42-21. Surely, before Game 1, FEU players visualized a different scene. Maybe rookie sensation Terence Romeo imagined he’d play like a fourth-year superstar in Game 1. He ended up chasing Monfort around the side streets of Cubao. Maybe veterans Aldrech Ramos and RR Garcia expected their hair highlights to shine brighter than ever. They ended up staring at Long’s Eminem-blonde hairstyle during Ateneo three-on-two fast-breaks. Ateneo’s domination started early. FEU’s astonishment grew quickly. After the first 10 minutes, Ateneo surged ahead by 18. After the first 20 minutes, the Blue Eagles threw the underdog label out for good. The Big Dome waited for an FEU comeback the way Cleveland fans expected LeBron James to say he’ll stay. Ateneo, however, squashed the tiniest chance for a Tamaraw rally faster than anyone could utter “South Beach". Ateneo’s shut-down defense limited FEU to just 49 points, 27 percent FG shooting and zero fast-break points. What a way for Ateneo to score its first win of the season over the Tamaraws. What a time for the Tamaraws to play on national television for the first time. Game One highlights are normally scrapped as soon as Game Two starts. But if I’m FEU Head Coach Glen Capacio, I’ll remember how Ateneo’s Bacon Austria reacted after sinking a buzzer-beating jumper to end a frenetic first period. Austria, amid the euphoria, calmly trotted back to the bench as if nothing happened. Clearly, Ateneo is in the Finals to take care of business, not to enjoy the sights. --
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