Ateneo 73, UE 61
-There will be bad days, and it better be the last. It was a lazy rainy afternoon for the Blue Eagles, with everything just partially working. There were lots of bad shots and flashy passes that do not connect, and there were those who lost their groove. Is it a case of complacency? Or of fatigue? Yes, a win is still a win, but the Blue Eagles should give no area for relaxation, especially with cellar dwellers who can be potentially dangerous (remember their match against the UST Growling Tigers?).
-Credits, however, go to Kiefer Ravena, Emman Monfort, and Kirk Long, who, in a way sensed the need to put the game away. Long was able to make the difficult shots down the stretch. Monfort maintained his energy and still go for steals and easy baskets when possible. Finally, Ravena kept his calm when everyone was tired and uneasy, even managing to run down the court after a turnover and finish the play with a one-hand jam to electrify a crowd that was quire lazy as well.
-Ateneo basketball is all about seizing opportunities, and Slaughter's presence amidst a sea of undersized Red Warriors spelled the difference. But then, he also had his misgivings as he had a lot of attempts to shoot the ball from the outside rather than taking it in and forcing fouls on the Warriors' frontcourt. Good thing there was the second half to make up for it.
-The bench, save for Juami Tiongson, was nowhere to be found again. Oping Sumalinog had his chances but missed them. Frank Golla played good defense but still was in his old fouling ways. Same goes for Bacon Austria, who has not found his groove since the end of Season 73. Finally, the real Justin Chua was still nowhere to be found. Tiongson, on the other hand, still managed to make plays for himself; however, if he wants to be the first-option point guard after this season, he has to learn to make plays for his teammates as well.
-The Sixth Men have been spoiled too much, and it's nigh time to remind them that the game is all about winning, and not Greg Slaughter dunking. There was little crowd noise compared to the struggling but vivacious UE crowd. Everyone has to keep on cheering for the Blue Eagles even with those small things that count, and the Blue Babble Battalion has to double their efforts to liven up the crowd.
-This was the second game that new eagle (not yet a Blue Eagle) Nico Elorde has been sighted. It would be good for him to observe the plays that Monfort and Tiongson make especially during fastbreak opportunities, because if he has to suit up for the blue side, he will soon take on their roles. Also, we have seen how Chris Javier can bring (without forcing) Greg Slaughter outside the painted area during defense. He will definitely be UE's next Ken Acibar, given the proper training and motivation.
The Scores:
Ateneo 73 – Slaughter 18, Ravena 13, Salva 10, Monfort 9, Long 9, Tiongson 8, Chua 2, Erram 2, Austria 2, Pessumal 0, Sumalinog 0, Gonzaga 0, Golla 0
UE 61 – Zamar 13, Noble 11, Javier 9, Santos 7, de Leon 6, Sumang 5, Enguio 5, Chavez 2, Tagarda 2, Flores 1, Montelibano 0, Sumido 0, Duran 0
Quarter scoring: 16-14, 28-25, 51-39, 73-61
Pic from ChinoyHoopsFan and box from inboundpass.com
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