They fell short but they gave it their best shot.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles jumped to the fire to keep their title defense alive in UAAP Season 86.
They kept doing it until they made it to the Final Four, where they eventually burned out against the UP Fighting Maroons. While they failed to defend their crown, making it to the penultimate stage was no small feat.
On Wednesday, guard Sean Quitevis, an outgoing senior, went on Instagram and summed up his memorable final year with the Blue Eagles.
“Together, we celebrated the greatest victories, but also suffered the last-second heartbreaks this season,” he posted.
Ateneo suffered backbreaking losses this season. There was the buzzer-beating three from Adamson Soaring Falcons forward Vince Magbuhos. There was also another walk-off game-winner by FEU Tamaraws captain Ljay Gonzales.
Still, the Blue Eagles had the gumption to push through.
With the wild run they had, Quitevis also had to express gratitude toward his teammates, as well as hope for the next batch of hoopers who’ll be rocking the blue and white.
“To my brothers, thank you for going to war with me every single day. All I needed in the fight was on my left and right,” Quitevis said.
“The pain of this season will light the fire for the future ahead. Doubt ain’t nothin new to me,” he added.
Ateneo’s sharpshooting rookie Mason Amos also went on Instagram to share his thoughts about their season, which saw the team fail to get past the Final Four under coach Tab Baldwin.
“One to remember,” the 19-year-old big man said.
ALSO READ: Tab Baldwin gives update on future with Ateneo before Final Four clash against UP
Amos isn't wrong. He and the rest of the Blue Eagles truly gained an unforgettable experience in UAAP Season 86, something that would likely fuel a title run or two in the coming years.
(PM)