MANILA, Philippines - The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles failed to secure the bronze medal in the 2018 Jones Cup after a sorry loss versus Iran, 70-63 on July 22, 2018 at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.
Philippines’ only chance to end the Jones Cup tournament with a podium finish is to beat team Iran in its last game.
Coming from a wonderful win over Chinese Taipei national team last night, the Ateneo Blue Eagles were all set and ready to face the taller Iranians with full of confidence and were very eager to bring at least the bronze medal to their motherland.
It contrast to their lackluster defense against the Taiwanese, the Blue Eagles made their living by forcing the Iranians to commit turnovers and converted them into significant digits.
Team Iran was in complete shock and its players almost didn’t know what hit them as the shorter Filipinos posted an 11-0 run and shifted the lead to their side.
Aside from the fast-paced basketball plays of the Blue Eagles, they earned most of their numbers from the three point territory headed by Thirdy Ravena and the Nieto twins.
Regardless of the outcome of this tournament, the ADMU Blue Eagles will surely be a tough contender in this coming UAAP season and will be highly favored to win and defend their title.
The Jones Cup, Filoil Cup and the Greece pocket tournament during the UAAP offseason will certainly be morale boosters for the Katipunan-based cagers. Angelo Kouame’s addition will also be another advantage for Coach Tab Baldwin and his wards that will even make them a more formidable squad.
The Iranians played a better basketball in the 3rd quarter to take their lead back from team Philippines. Ateneo had 1 full quarter to work on to win the game.
It was really tough for the Blue Eagles to own the shaded lane as it was heavily guarded and clogged by the gigantic Iranians that even Angelo Kouame can’t make shots under the basket which he normally drains.
Under a minute left in the game, Iran led Philippines by 4. During their last possession, the Iranians melted the clock away and hit a dagger trey to end Ateneo-Philippines’ 2018 Jones Cup campaign 70-63.
The Philippines settled for 4th place behind Iran in the overall standings after the loss. Nevertheless, the experience and exposure that the Blue Eagles gained will be a huge boost for their UAAP Men’s Basketball title defense.
Congrats, Blue Eagles! One Big Fight!
— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express
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| The ADMU Blue Eagles - Philippines fails to secure a podium finish in the Jones Cup with a 5-3 record and a 4th-place finish. |
Philippines’ only chance to end the Jones Cup tournament with a podium finish is to beat team Iran in its last game.
Coming from a wonderful win over Chinese Taipei national team last night, the Ateneo Blue Eagles were all set and ready to face the taller Iranians with full of confidence and were very eager to bring at least the bronze medal to their motherland.
It contrast to their lackluster defense against the Taiwanese, the Blue Eagles made their living by forcing the Iranians to commit turnovers and converted them into significant digits.
Team Iran was in complete shock and its players almost didn’t know what hit them as the shorter Filipinos posted an 11-0 run and shifted the lead to their side.
Aside from the fast-paced basketball plays of the Blue Eagles, they earned most of their numbers from the three point territory headed by Thirdy Ravena and the Nieto twins.
Regardless of the outcome of this tournament, the ADMU Blue Eagles will surely be a tough contender in this coming UAAP season and will be highly favored to win and defend their title.
The Jones Cup, Filoil Cup and the Greece pocket tournament during the UAAP offseason will certainly be morale boosters for the Katipunan-based cagers. Angelo Kouame’s addition will also be another advantage for Coach Tab Baldwin and his wards that will even make them a more formidable squad.
The Iranians played a better basketball in the 3rd quarter to take their lead back from team Philippines. Ateneo had 1 full quarter to work on to win the game.
It was really tough for the Blue Eagles to own the shaded lane as it was heavily guarded and clogged by the gigantic Iranians that even Angelo Kouame can’t make shots under the basket which he normally drains.
Under a minute left in the game, Iran led Philippines by 4. During their last possession, the Iranians melted the clock away and hit a dagger trey to end Ateneo-Philippines’ 2018 Jones Cup campaign 70-63.
The Philippines settled for 4th place behind Iran in the overall standings after the loss. Nevertheless, the experience and exposure that the Blue Eagles gained will be a huge boost for their UAAP Men’s Basketball title defense.
 |
| Jones Cup 2018 Standings as of 5:30pm, July 22. |
Congrats, Blue Eagles! One Big Fight!
— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express
