Anyway, my focus will be on the second game. Here are some observations from the game between Ateneo and UST.
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| The Blue Eagles and Growling Tigers prepare for tip off |
The BAD
- The Blue Eagles went 0-10 from three during the first half. They struggled hitting perimeter shots all game long. The reason could both be a combination of solid defense from UST and poor shooting from ADMU
- Nigerian import, Chiz Ikeh, was expected to improve this year. That wasn't evident after his first game this season. Ikeh played under 11 minutes and ended with 4 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 fouls and 3 turnovers. He had zero points
- Anton Asistio took 7 shots, all from three-point land and he made only 2 of them
- They shot only 5 of 6 freethrows while UST went 17 of 23
- ADMU was called for 21 personal fouls while UST had only 12
- Ateneo had difficulties scoring when using half-court sets
- The Nieto brothers shot poorly as they combined 4 of 13
- Adrian Wong was an abysmal 1 of 11 with zero assists
- The Blue Eagles succumbed to turnovers when faced with the full-court press defense
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| Aaron Black (at the FT line) of Ateneo led all scorers |
The GOOD
- ADMU finally made threes in the 2nd half where they went 6-21 in the 2nd half alone
- Ikeh played poorly but the other front court players picked up the slack. Babilonia, Tolentino and Go combined for a respectable 8 points and 15 rebounds. Not a lot is expected from the bigs, so whatever they can contribute is a huge help
- Regardless of fouls called, Ateneo did not shy away from playing physical and defending the paint, they had 8 blocks
- ADMU was only credited for 12 fast break points, but they were quite effective with their transition chances
- The Blue Eagles forced turnovers when they used the full-court press defense
- Mike Nieto started the game and had a career-high 7 points
- Wong hit a three late in the game and had zero turnovers
- Asistio made 2 crucial threes in the 4th quarter
- Jolo Mendoza made his senior's debut during the 2nd half and promptly hit two perimeter shots
- Aaron Black and Thirdy Ravena were a devastating dynamic duo. They combined for 40 points
- Thirdy Ravena had a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds
- Black was masterful all game with his drives to the hoop and perimeter shots. He also delivered a complete game as he finished with 23 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocks
- Black and Ravena also provided highlight plays that showed their blocking abilities
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| The USTe crowd supported the host team well
***All photos by Rolly Mendoza***
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