UAAP: Unbeaten Ateneo repeats over La Salle

Picture from UAAP

MANILA, Philippines— All it took for Ateneo was one massive burst within the third to place away arch-rival La Salle and ship throughout a stern message to the remainder of the groups within the UAAP Season 84 males’s basketball event: The Eagles bought their eye on their fourth title they usually have the means to get it.

Displaying the depth and maturity that was unmatched within the first spherical, Ateneo broke free from an in any other case aggressive sport within the third quarter to attain a convincing 75-68 triumph Tuesday at Mall of Asia Area.

The Eagles soared to their eighth victory in as many video games whereas handing the Archers — one of many few groups that would threaten their marketing campaign — their third defeat in eight matches, counting the blowout within the first spherical.

“We actually just like the changes we made, we kinda return to the drafting board,” stated Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin. “They pressed our offence and we struggled for alternatives. However we managed to defend fairly nicely, you already know we went to locker room feeling La Salle had a greater first half.”

As anticipated each groups bought off the gates with a way of urgency often seen in a finals sport. However in contrast to of their first spherical assembly, La Salle was extra deliberate preserving the sport shut and even taking the lead within the second quarter, 26-24, on account of Kurt Lojera and Evan Nelle.

And with Ange Kouame saddled by foul hassle early on, the Archers have been attacking the lanes as nicely. However the Eagles have been too poised and organised to get thrown off, using Gian Mamuyac, Dave Ildefonso and Raffy Verano to counter no matter was thrown at them.

“We weren’t allowed to play our sport and I feel La Salle performed an impressive job,” added Baldwin. “However our press actually helped us out, we bought some straightforward factors and bought the separation, that modified the complexion of the sport.”

From 36 all within the third, Kouame was despatched in to spark a frenetic 17-2 run highlighted by two three-pointers every by BJ Andrade and SJ Belangel to all of a sudden draw back 53-38 4 minutes left within the interval.

And that’s all it took for the Eagles take management, posting their greatest lead at 57-40 late within the third via Mamuyac and Ildefonso.