A team’s strength cannot be measured based on its preseason performances alone as far as Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin is concerned.
“UAAP is a different animal,” said Baldwin following the Eagles’ 70-52 opening-game victory over the Adamson Falcons to jumpstart their title bid in Season 82 men’s basketball.
“We know it’s gonna be tough and we expected a tough game like this. Where we go from here is up to us. We need to play with more composure to get those victories under our belt. We expect more professionalism,” said Baldwin, whose team went on a couple of training camps abroad apart from competing in the Aspirants’ Cup of the PBA D-League a few months back which they won.
Seeking a three-peat, Ateneo showed composure when Adamson sliced its 23-point deficit to only five, 57-52.
But the Eagles countered with a telling 13-0 attack to hurdle their first task.
And Baldwin credited Adamson’s intelligent plays in that crucial stretch.
“I know that (Adamson coach) Franz Pumaren wants to spread the offense a little more. There were a couple of lapses on our part, but I commend the boys on how they handled it,” said Baldwin.
“We expected a lot of hard work on our first game and I’m happy that this one is over,” Baldwin said.
Their next match is one that they can’t afford to lose.
That’s because Ateneo is going up against bitter rival La Salle on Sunday.
But Baldwin is ready for the challenge.
“It’s a big mission,” Baldwin said. “They’ve seen us now; we haven’t seen them play. That presents a problem. But I’m sure we’ll be ready for it.”
Expected to step up once again for the Eagles are Ange Kouame, Matt Nieto and Thirdy Ravena.
The sophomore Kouame delivered huge with 17 points, 11 rebounds, six blocks and three steals with Nieto adding 14 points, four assists and two boards while Ravena had 10 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and a steal. (KIristel Satumbaga)