Games Saturday (Ynares Sports Center, Antipolo City)
2 p.m. – La Salle vs UST
4 p.m. – NU vs UP
Defending champion Ateneo resumes practice today ahead of its Sunday game against the Adamson Falcons in the 81st UAAP men’s basketball at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.
Ateneo had its first well-deserved break last Sunday following its 79-64 win over National University that gave them a 9-2 card and earned the school a fifth straight Final Four berth.
Yesterday, coach Tab Baldwin gave players and coaches another break in observance of the All Saint’s Day but everybody’s expected to be present today at the Moro Loreno gym inside Ateneo campus in Katipunan, Quezon City.
In the last three days of practice, Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga mentioned that Nieto brothers Matt (fractured finger) and Mike (sprained ankle) have already joined the team.
The two, who missed four games where Ateneo went 3-1, are integral parts in Baldwin’s rotation as Matt Nieto, who averages nearly seven points, three rebounds and three assists, is the team’s starting point guard while Mike Nieto, who averages almost seven points and six rebounds, comes off the bench.
However, it’s not certain of the two will be available when the Eagles face the Falcons, currently at second spot just half-game behind league leader Ateneo with an 8-2 record.
“We still don’t know,” said Arespacochaga yesterday.
Although the team is assured of a semifinal spot, Arespacochaga said playing Adamson is their focus after Ateneo suffered a 74-70 defeat on their first meeting last Sept. 9. (Waylon Galvez)
