The Ateneo Blue Eagles tried their hardest to finish the game vs the NU Bulldogs with a 2-0 record, and a share of the tournament lead. However, the Bulldogs exhibited tough defense and they showed us why they are considered a final four team. ADMU kept it tied during the first half but was unable to keep up with NU after the halftime break. The Bulldogs won, 70-60, to have a share of the lead with DLSU at the top of the standings.
Well, here are my observations after Ateneo's second game...  |
| This Wong block was the highlight of the game for ADMU |
The BAD
- Ateneo struggled hitting shots again from allover the court (50% FT, 22% from threes and 36% overall)
- For a team with decent perimeter shooters, ADMU only made 4 of 18 three-pointers
- After combining for 40 points vs UST, Black and Ravena combined for only 6 points vs NU
- They committed 21 fouls that led to 25 free throws for NU
- ADMU had zero fast break points while NU had 9 points
- Eagles gave up 9 steals to the Bulldogs compared to just one steal for ADMU
- Ateneo had a lot more difficulty breaking the press which was frustrating because they have speedy guards who are decent ball-handlers
- They have problems getting foul calls that led to foul shots
- Only Mike Nieto finished in double digits
- Jolo Mendoza did not play
- Defensive rotations and coverage need a lot of fine tuning
- After 2 games, ADMU is last in scoring
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| Mike Nieto led the Eagles with 14 points |
The GOOD
- For the 2nd straight game, Mike Nieto played well
- Nieto led the Eagles with a career-high 14 points and he hit 2 threes
- Matt Nieto also had a decent outing with 7 points, 1 assist and 2 blocks
- Black led the team with 5 assists
- Chiz Ikeh played a lot better this time around with 8 points, 5 rebounds and no turnovers
- Eagles played solid team defense, limiting NU to 41% shooting and getting 9 blocks
- One of the blocks came from Adrian Wong which was a highlight play
- In one defensive possession, Isaac Go tallied 3 blocks
- ADMU had more assists, 13-11, and turnovers were tied at 15
- Rookie Raffy Verano played less than 6 minutes and had a net rating of +7
- ADMU frontline held Aroga to 11 points and 6 rebounds
- Twelve players received playing time
- Bench outscored NU, 29-22
Final Thoughts
Rotations, starters and substitution patterns will be constantly changing (and evolving) for the Eagles. The coaching staff is still trying to find the right and best combinations for certain parts of the game. Do you remember that the Eagles lost a handful of players before the start of the season? Those players would have been integral members of the lineup. Thus, Coach Sandy and Coach Tab are still in the "testing phase" to see what each player can give (and take). Fans need to be patient and "trust the process".
This will be a "roller-coaster ride" for the Blue Eagles and they need the support of the school, no matter what. There will be bad games and good games from the players or the whole team. Hopefully, a lot more good than bad.
There are a lot of questions and uncertainties revolving around them. But one thing is for sure, this team will fight and that is something we can be proud of. #OBF
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