Early semifinalist Ateneo tries to preserve its unbeaten record when it goes for a repeat against University of the East today in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Blue Eagles and the Warriors clash at 2 p.m. with the former determined to play much better than the last time as they shoot for their 12th straight win.
After a struggling start, Ateneo worked its way back through the timely baskets of Thirdy Ravena, Matt Nieto, import Ange Kouame and Pat Maagdenberg to pull off a 65-55 win over the Far Eastern University Tamaraws last Wednesday.
Also credit Ateneo’s pesky defense for the win as they held the Tamaraws to just 15 points in the final half.
Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin was unhappy with their performance against FEU so he’s hoping to see their old deadly form back against the Warriors
“If we don’t play our basketball, we can’t expect to win,” he said. “In fact, I don’t think I would want to win if we don’t go out and do our job. So lesson learned from (today against FEU).”
Baldwin felt his team got complacent after booking a spot into the next phase.
“FEU certainly gave us a wakeup call that we obviously needed. I don’t care if we had 10 playing dates in a row. When you lose your humility, when you think all you have to do is put your uniform on to be good, you need a wakeup call,” he said.
“I wish we never did wakeup calls, but we are humans and that goes for my coaching staff, me and our players.”
Baldwin wants a strong start and a hot finish for his stalwarts if they want to duplicate an 85-68 first round win over UE.
At 3-8, UE can’t afford another defeat.
Meanwhile, University of the Philippines and Adamson University clash at 4 p.m. to strengthen their semifinal bids.
The Maroons are at second with 6-4 while the Falcons are at sixth with 4-6. (Kristel Satumbaga)
