with contributions from Camille Cutler
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| (Photo Credit: Arvin Lim, ABS-CBN Sports) |
Ateneo Blue Eagles def. UST Growling Tigers 94-84
Notable Players:
Matt Nieto, Ateneo (22 points, 4/6 3FG): Matt continues to impress, as he provided Ateneo the offensive punch it needed to beat UST. His new-found stroke from outside is going to be huge for the team moving forward, as defenses start to clamp down on well-known shooters such as Anton Asistio.
Isaac Go, Ateneo (13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists): Isaac was solid for Ateneo, providing the team the ample support on both ends of the floor. His biggest contribution was on the offensive end, especially with some of the bail-out shots he made during the course of the game.
Thirdy Ravena, Ateneo (12 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists): He simply continues to stake his claim as the UAAP's 2nd best player behind Ben Mbala. He wasn't as explosive as he usually is, but that's just nitpicking. Thirdy continues to play tremendous basketball.
Marvin Lee, UST (22 points, 3 rebounds): Small but terrib...ly good. Marvin was an absolute pest for the Blue Eagles, especially on the defensive end as he constantly hounded the Blue Eagle guards. It's that kind of feisty play which makes Marvin such a fun player to watch.
Jordan Sta. Ana, UST (21 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists): If Lee is the feisty undersized guard, Sta. Ana is the power guard who just drives to the rim with no fear for the Growling Tigers. He gave Ateneo difficulty with his pressing defense and his constant attacking of the rim.
Quick Analysis
- Coach Tab was clearly experimenting line-ups for Ateneo, but I doubt he was pleased with how Ateneo handled the press of UST. Props to the effort UST gave on the defensive end (more on that later), but Ateneo's inability to settle down and control the pace nearly doomed them with a loss.
- Despite the sub-par handling of the press, Ateneo showed some great things during the third quarter. Isaac Go and Matt Nietk are starting to establish themselves as legitimate options outside, while Thirdy Ravena remains excellent. When Ateneo has control of the pace, they're close to impossible to stop.
- Despite the sub-par handling of the press, Ateneo showed some great things during the third quarter. Isaac Go and Matt Nietk are starting to establish themselves as legitimate options outside, while Thirdy Ravena remains excellent. When Ateneo has control of the pace, they're close to impossible to stop.
- They say putting in effort and intensity is a big part already of what you need to be a good defender. The Growling Tigers did just that, as they constantly pressured the Blue Eagles offense into bad decisions. They even managed to force a turnover from someone as steady as Matt Nieto because he dribbled the ball in the sideline, a big no no when trying to break a press. versus the The Blue Eagles were uncharacteristically inefficient in this game, and a part of it was because of how well the Growling Tigers controlled the pace during this game.
- This is the type of game which should serve as a breakthrough of sorts for both teams. Ateneo learned, "Okay, sure, we're dominant. But we still have a lot to digest since we'll be facing tougher presses in the future." For the case of UST, it's a matter of realizing, "Damn, we nearly had that! We can win basketball games. It's just a matter of finishing games." There's no way to go but up for these two teams.
- This is the type of game which should serve as a breakthrough of sorts for both teams. Ateneo learned, "Okay, sure, we're dominant. But we still have a lot to digest since we'll be facing tougher presses in the future." For the case of UST, it's a matter of realizing, "Damn, we nearly had that! We can win basketball games. It's just a matter of finishing games." There's no way to go but up for these two teams.
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