It definitely didn't go unnoticed.
In what was expected to be a nip-and-tuck contest, the Ateneo Blue Eagles drubbed the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 70-48 in their playoff match on Wednesday for the last slot in the Final Four of UAAP Season 86.
The Blue Eagles did everything right from the get-go, clamped down on defense, and punched a ticket to the semifinals for the ninth straight time.
It wasn’t as easy as the score suggested, said Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin.
For some fans, though, the do-or-die affair didn’t live up to its billing. They took to X, formerly Twitter, to express their thoughts.
But just when everyone thought that the issues, including the one on officiating, could be finally put to rest, Baldwin and Adamson coach Nash Racela didn’t shake hands after the game. Of course, the fans we're all for it.
It's worth mentioning that Baldwin and Racela were assessed technical fouls after their verbal spat in the third quarter.
Rivalries makes the UAAP more compelling, and the brewing one between Baldwin and Racela, two of the most respected minds in basketball, could be the latest.
To recall, even prior to their playoff game, Racela already alleged that Ateneo was being favored by the referees and the UAAP to make it to the Final Four. In response, although he didn't specify anyone, Baldwin chastised "some people in the UAAP family" for putting unnecessary pressure on the officials.
But despite all the drama, there was at least this beautiful moment for King Falcon Jerom Latimosa, who scored a buzzer-beating three-pointer to wrap up his amazing UAAP career. Ateneo purposely passed him the ball in the dying seconds.
The Blue Eagles, who are aiming to defend their crown, will battle the twice-to-beat UP Fighting Maroons this Saturday.
(PM)