Make Or Break: AdMU vs. DLSU

Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles (2-1)

Make:
-Eric Salamat's health and, therefore, his effectivity in his game counts. Coming off the bench with a knee contrusion, there is no guarantee that he can play a hundred percent and therefore get his game back.
-It's still defense. La Salle's games against UE and UP made all their shooters look really good from the outside , while their match against NU proved that with good defense, everyone in the Green Squad will falter. A more efficient zone defense which could also give way for bodies to be placed on their shooters.

Break:
-Too much shooting from beyond the arc. It would be better for them to choose their shots well, with most of their attempts from the paint and trying to force fouls.
-Filling in the point guard spot. Coach Norman Black should perhaps work out an effective 8-10 man rotation which would allow their combo guard and forward players to find their spots.

De La Salle University Green Archers (2-1)

Make:
-Wingmen efficiency. They were able to beat UP and UE with their mid- and long-range effectivity, coming from their experienced back court composed of Tolentino, Atkins, and Marata. Making those long jumpers would eventually force Ateneo to stretch their defense, therefore allowing more opportunities inside the paint.
-Two players off the bench would be quite crucial in bringing La Salle to their first ever victory against the Eagles in two years: Almond Vosotros and Yutien Andrada. While Andrada can shut down almost every member of the Blue frontcourt, Vosotros can outrun anyone and destroy the rhythm of Ateneo defense. Ateneo has to have someone who can check him

Break:
-The tiring full court press seems to not work with Ateneo anymore. However, if they continue to employ this defensive play, they are in danger of racking up too many fouls. Previously, UE was able to capitalize on the early penalty and calls toward the charity stripe. With quicker players who can bring the ball on both sides of the court, Ateneo might just seize that opportunity as well.
-The Archers have a tendency to play hit-or-miss and will gamble on wild out-of-this-world jumpers (among those who do these is forward Joshua Webb). Once they start to panic and lose the determination to bring the ball inside, then the game should finish early in the second half.


One Big Fight.

Fabilioh.com for the picture.