Quick Fire: Ateneo Blue Eagles take advantage and runs Adamson to the ground for solid opening day win
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| (Photo Credit: John Oranga, Fabilioh) |
Final Score: Ateneo Blue Eagles def. Adamson Soaring Falcons 85-65
Notable Players:
Chibueze Ikeh, Ateneo (18 points, 17 rebounds): Ben Mbala has met his match. All jokes aside, major props for Ikeh in this game. He took advantage of the stage given to him courtesy of Papi Sarr's absence and made the poor Soaring Falcons pay. Highly unlikely he replicates such a line again, but this is a huge confidence booster for the much-maligned Ikeh.
Thirdy Ravena, Ateneo (20 points, 10 rebounds): Ikeh's been the talk of Ateneans, but Thirdy was arguably the MVP of Ateneo in this game. He looked to force things early on by taking threes, but he went to his strengths come the second half by using his slashing to create for himself and his teammates. He's always had the tools to dominate, so Ateneans better hope he keeps this up.
Jolo Mendoza, Ateneo (14 points, 3/4 3FG): No one has ever doubted Jolo Mendoza's talent. The biggest gripe with him (aside from his defense and size), has always been confidence. After a hot start, Jolo kept it going and showed why he may be the best pure scorer the Eagles have on their roster right now.
Kurt Lojera, Adamson (11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals): One of the few bright spots of the Soaring Falcons, Lojera showcased a ton of energy and toughness for the Soaring Falcons. He was one of the players who led the team during its mini run during the third and fourth quarter, an additional weapon the Soaring Falcons can now use in future games.
Jolo Mendoza, Ateneo (14 points, 3/4 3FG): No one has ever doubted Jolo Mendoza's talent. The biggest gripe with him (aside from his defense and size), has always been confidence. After a hot start, Jolo kept it going and showed why he may be the best pure scorer the Eagles have on their roster right now.
Kurt Lojera, Adamson (11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals): One of the few bright spots of the Soaring Falcons, Lojera showcased a ton of energy and toughness for the Soaring Falcons. He was one of the players who led the team during its mini run during the third and fourth quarter, an additional weapon the Soaring Falcons can now use in future games.
Quick Analysis:
- Ateneo's execution was top-notch in this game on both ends of the floor. They forced Adamson to some ugly turnovers during parts of the game, while their pick and roll coverage was A+ every time Rob Manalang would try to call one out with one of their bigs. On the offensive end, their dribble-drive motion was a beauty, while their patience in breaking the Pumaren press was a treat. They may not be the most talented team out there, but their ability to out-execute you is unmatched in college basketball.
- Adamson looked lost without Papi Sarr on the floor. They tried to run their normal stuff (meaning a lot of two-man post play), but that can't work without a dominant player down low. Adamson then tried to revert to a pick and roll. It worked for a while, but once Ateneo managed to settle down with its coverage, Adamson was left rattled. They were clearly not prepared to not have Sarr off the floor, and it showed in this game.
- Jerrick Ahanmisi just isn't comfortable as a main ball-handler for the Falcons. With Sarr off the floor, Ahanmisi was forced to play creator for parts of the game, clearly failing to establish rhythm with the shots he was taking. He thrives as someone who moves off screens for catch and shoots, and he couldn't do that with Sarr not being there to attract the defense down low.
- This game has to be taken with a grain of salt. Yes, Ateneo's execution was top-notch, but their attack would have changed with Sarr on the floor. Adamson looked lost, but most of their plays revolve around the use of Sarr. If we took this game really seriously, we'd think Chibueze Ikeh would be competition versus Ben Mbala for Best Player in the League, while Adamson would compete versus UE and UST for title of worst team in the league. Ikeh has improved, but he is still nowhere close to Mbala. Adamson is still a team to be taken seriously, even though their lack of size and rebounding is alarming. It's just the start to a season filled with a ton of unpredictability. Embrace it.
- Adamson looked lost without Papi Sarr on the floor. They tried to run their normal stuff (meaning a lot of two-man post play), but that can't work without a dominant player down low. Adamson then tried to revert to a pick and roll. It worked for a while, but once Ateneo managed to settle down with its coverage, Adamson was left rattled. They were clearly not prepared to not have Sarr off the floor, and it showed in this game.
- Jerrick Ahanmisi just isn't comfortable as a main ball-handler for the Falcons. With Sarr off the floor, Ahanmisi was forced to play creator for parts of the game, clearly failing to establish rhythm with the shots he was taking. He thrives as someone who moves off screens for catch and shoots, and he couldn't do that with Sarr not being there to attract the defense down low.
- This game has to be taken with a grain of salt. Yes, Ateneo's execution was top-notch, but their attack would have changed with Sarr on the floor. Adamson looked lost, but most of their plays revolve around the use of Sarr. If we took this game really seriously, we'd think Chibueze Ikeh would be competition versus Ben Mbala for Best Player in the League, while Adamson would compete versus UE and UST for title of worst team in the league. Ikeh has improved, but he is still nowhere close to Mbala. Adamson is still a team to be taken seriously, even though their lack of size and rebounding is alarming. It's just the start to a season filled with a ton of unpredictability. Embrace it.
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