The Ateneo Eagles, led by coach Norman Black, pose after winning the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champions League at the expense of the FEU Tamaraws, 74-70, Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena. (Photo by BOB DUNGO JR.)

The 2009 season is truly a magical season for Ateneo basketball team.

After winning the UAAP crown for the second straight year, the Ateneo Eagles earned the title as the country’s No. 1 collegiate team by ruling the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champions League Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Showing their vast championship experience, the Eagles survived the spirited comeback of Far Eastern University to eke out a 74-70 win and remove any doubts about their superiority.

Leading for most of the way, the Blue Eagles appeared headed for a breezy win. But they were jolted late in the game when the Tamaraws made a courageous comeback that saw grab a three-point lead, 70-67, with less than three minutes remaining.

But Jai Reyes, who knocked down two triples in the first quarter, rose to the occasion by knotting the count with another trey before coming through with a perfect feed on the cutting Oping Sumalinog with 45.2 seconds left for the go-ahead basket.

The Blue Eagles, despite the absence of star big man Rabeh Al-Hussaini, then fended off FEU's attempt to tie the game once more to secure the win and complete their come-from-behind series win.

The Eagles wrapped up their best-of-three series, 2-1. The Tamaraws won the opening game but the Eagles bounced back by winning the next two.

It was a spectacular end to an amazing calendar year for the Loyola-based squad as it also won the UNIGAMES held in Dumaguete City.

ATENEO 74 — Salamat 19, Reyes 17, Sumalinog 11, Buenafe 8, Golla 4, Chua 4, Baclao 4, Salva 4, Monfort 3, Austria 0, Long 0.
FEU 70 — Sanga 15, Garcia 14, Ramos 10, Cawaling 10, Exciminiano 8, Manalo 5, Cervantes 4, Noundou 4, Knuttel 0.
Quarters: 20-16, 45-35, 61-59, 74-70.