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| (Photo Credit: Tristan Tamayo, INQUIRER.net) |
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT'S TIMEEEEEEEEEEE!
It's Ateneo-La Salle weekend, and unlike last year's first round match-up, this match is looking to be a tight one. Both teams are set to finish with the top two seeds by the end of the first round (regardless of the result of the game), so I can assure you we're getting a match between the two best teams in the league.
Obviously, there are a number of key questions for this game. There's issues with pace, running pristine offenses, and of course, determining who will win the most awaited match-up of this year. The entire Scout's Notebook PH team along with writers from The GUIDON, The LaSallian and Humblebola, came in and helped answer these key questions.
Here are our answers:
1. Just how important of a factor will pace be for this game?
Context: La Salle and Ateneo play at contrasting paces with each other. La Salle sports the fastest pace at 94.73 while Ateneo is the slowest at 82.40. |
| (Photo Credit: Zach Garcia, The GUIDON) |
Aljo Dolores:
In terms of pace, La Salle (94.73) and Ateneo (82.40) are on opposite ends of the spectrum. As cliché as it sounds, the team which will control the pace will most likely win the game. Impose your preferred tempo, and you will be at your optimum level of play. Let your opponents dictate the flow, and you will be at a disadvantage while trying to dance at the wrong beat. Expect this game to be a tug-of-war in terms of setting the pace.
Camille Cutler:
Ateneo had difficulty with a fast pace versus UST the other game, so it could very well be key. La Salle has the fastest pace in the league, so expect them to try to push the pace every time they hold the ball.
Claro Manzano (The LaSallian Sports Editor 2016-2017):
The Green Archers prefer to score on the break while the Blue Eagles prefer to slow things down and score in the half court. Both teams may be at opposite ends of the spectrum but they can both get the job done with their respective styles of play. Controlling the pace of the game and trusting their respective systems will have to be the most important key to victory.
The Green Archers prefer to score on the break while the Blue Eagles prefer to slow things down and score in the half court. Both teams may be at opposite ends of the spectrum but they can both get the job done with their respective styles of play. Controlling the pace of the game and trusting their respective systems will have to be the most important key to victory.
Colin Salao (The GUIDON Ateneo MBT Beat Writer):
Ateneo’s potent offense is at its best when their ball movement in the half court equates to easy shots in the latter part of the shot clock. Over the last couple of games, Ateneo was forced to a much quicker pace against the full court pressure defense deployed by UST and NU, and the Blue Eagles showed signs of weakness. With their unmatched athleticism, I can easily see La Salle forcing Ateneo out of their slower system. In this case, Ateneo will have to make sure they’re able to cut down on turnovers which has been one just a few things that have plagued them through this season. They’ll also have to trust in young guards Jolo Mendoza, Tyler Tio and Gian Mamuyac to run the offense with minimal error.
I believe the pace of this game will be in favor of La Salle’s high-octane offense, and it will be up to Ateneo to either adjust, or slow the game down just enough to disrupt enough of their rivals offense as well.
Ged Austria:
The team who controls the pace would have a better chance winning the game. Ateneo plays at a much slower pace, which means they should not try to outrun Lasalle, since their strength is to run plays and not outrun teams. The opposite is for Lasalle, if they thrive by running and by mayhem, then why would they try to slow things down? The team who controls the pace withing their comfort zone would most probably be having the easier time leading and winning the game.
The team who controls the pace would have a better chance winning the game. Ateneo plays at a much slower pace, which means they should not try to outrun Lasalle, since their strength is to run plays and not outrun teams. The opposite is for Lasalle, if they thrive by running and by mayhem, then why would they try to slow things down? The team who controls the pace withing their comfort zone would most probably be having the easier time leading and winning the game.
Karlo Lovenia:
It's going to be important, but it won't be the primary factor for this game. If anything, it's pressure that will be the most key between the two teams. Just how well can La Salle pressure Ateneo's offense? Can Ateneo destroy this pressure in order to score easy buckets?
It's going to be important, but it won't be the primary factor for this game. If anything, it's pressure that will be the most key between the two teams. Just how well can La Salle pressure Ateneo's offense? Can Ateneo destroy this pressure in order to score easy buckets?
KantoHoopsSpotter:
It MIGHT. I'm on the fence since I have yet to see Ateneo run the deadly fastbreak of yore. But the thing is, Ateneo is built to run AND milk the clock. DLSU on the other hand... Has suffered offensive offense with Ben Mbala being a black hole.
It MIGHT. I'm on the fence since I have yet to see Ateneo run the deadly fastbreak of yore. But the thing is, Ateneo is built to run AND milk the clock. DLSU on the other hand... Has suffered offensive offense with Ben Mbala being a black hole.
Neal Tieng:
Pace = someone will force one team to play their game. It is very important because it is the game the team thrives on. If they play slow, it plays into Ateneo's advantage and if it becomes frenzy, La Salle will be at the helm.
Pace = someone will force one team to play their game. It is very important because it is the game the team thrives on. If they play slow, it plays into Ateneo's advantage and if it becomes frenzy, La Salle will be at the helm.
Toby Pavon (Humblebola writer and AdU Soaring Falcons die-hard):
It’s going to matter more for La Salle than it will for Ateneo. Pace is only one factor in DLSU’s success so far, meaning they use the fast pace in order to achieve their actual goal which is forcing turnovers and bad shots. We saw in DLSU’s first three games that they win by being relentless on both ends, continuing to apply pressure where others would have gotten back into position. Problems start to arise for DLSU when they can’t force turnovers or bad shots, as was the case against UP. UP was smart enough to make DLSU’s overeagerness backfire on them, spacing the floor and just confidently shooting when open.
Ateneo doesn’t have this pace problem. There has yet to be a team that caused Ateneo to be rattled to a point where they couldn’t recover. Both AdU and NU are teams that like to put pressure on defense and Ateneo handily put both away. However, in the AdU game they showed a tendency that if teams pressured them just hard enough and for long enough they might just cough up the ball enough times.
DLSU will definitely look to push the pace but Ateneo isn’t going to be too worried about it.
It’s going to matter more for La Salle than it will for Ateneo. Pace is only one factor in DLSU’s success so far, meaning they use the fast pace in order to achieve their actual goal which is forcing turnovers and bad shots. We saw in DLSU’s first three games that they win by being relentless on both ends, continuing to apply pressure where others would have gotten back into position. Problems start to arise for DLSU when they can’t force turnovers or bad shots, as was the case against UP. UP was smart enough to make DLSU’s overeagerness backfire on them, spacing the floor and just confidently shooting when open.
Ateneo doesn’t have this pace problem. There has yet to be a team that caused Ateneo to be rattled to a point where they couldn’t recover. Both AdU and NU are teams that like to put pressure on defense and Ateneo handily put both away. However, in the AdU game they showed a tendency that if teams pressured them just hard enough and for long enough they might just cough up the ball enough times.
DLSU will definitely look to push the pace but Ateneo isn’t going to be too worried about it.
2. Will Ateneo be able to maintain its offensive efficiency versus La Salle's Mayhem?
Context: Even in its worst game of the season (versus UST), Ateneo has managed to secure high offensive numbers, averaging 110.04 points per 100 possessions.
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| (Photo Credit: Arvin Lim, ABS-CBN Sports) |
I doubt it. During the fourth quarter of the Ateneo-UST game, Ateneo had difficulty versus the pressure of UST. Now versus La Salle's long wings and athletic players, maintaining good efficiency will be even tougher.
Claro Manzano:
It seems that the Green Archers haven't found that exact person to replace their perimeter stopper in Julian Sargent. If they find that right guy come Sunday or tighten up on defense as a unit , things may get difficult for the Blue Eagles in terms of setting up their offense.
Colin Salao:
The Blue Eagles offense has been amazing all season long, but La Salle’s full court pressure defense is another animal all together. DLSU’s defense has not proven to be great in terms of stopping the other team from putting up big numbers, but that might be in La Salle’s favor in this game. I can see the Blue Eagles scoring possibly in the 90s or even crack 100+ points, but likely because the pace will be in the favor of the Green Archers. If this game ends up a shootout, La Salle has a shot of running Ateneo out of the MOA Arena. I’m confident Ateneo’s offense will not have trouble scoring on La Salle, but whether it’s going to be in their favor will depend on how they can adjust to the Mayhem defense.
Ged Austria:
We expect that Ateneo will somehow have a drop to their offensive efficiency. For obvious reasons that this Lasalle team is the best team that they have yet to go up against. Also, Lasalle's mayhem is surely scouted and studied by Ateneo. Lasalle may throw new pieces or new schemes for their defense on Ateneo, but we all know it still all comes down to their defensive effort. Thus we expect a little drop, but we're sure Ateneo is also prepared.
We expect that Ateneo will somehow have a drop to their offensive efficiency. For obvious reasons that this Lasalle team is the best team that they have yet to go up against. Also, Lasalle's mayhem is surely scouted and studied by Ateneo. Lasalle may throw new pieces or new schemes for their defense on Ateneo, but we all know it still all comes down to their defensive effort. Thus we expect a little drop, but we're sure Ateneo is also prepared.
Karlo Lovenia:
50-50. Ateneo thrives at a controlled environment, and La Salle's defensive pressure is something they haven't met this season. The thing with Mayhem is, as terrifying as it may be, it's also prone to leaving spaces open, something Coach Tab is very good at exposing. As mentioned, it ultimately depends on how Ateneo controls the pressure. If they don't let it get to them, La Salle is going to have a difficult time.
50-50. Ateneo thrives at a controlled environment, and La Salle's defensive pressure is something they haven't met this season. The thing with Mayhem is, as terrifying as it may be, it's also prone to leaving spaces open, something Coach Tab is very good at exposing. As mentioned, it ultimately depends on how Ateneo controls the pressure. If they don't let it get to them, La Salle is going to have a difficult time.
KantoHoopsSpotter:
Yes. Ateneo is disciplined enough and more comfortable working through their sets despite high defensive pressure as shown in the UST game. It really is huge how much a year can make.
Yes. Ateneo is disciplined enough and more comfortable working through their sets despite high defensive pressure as shown in the UST game. It really is huge how much a year can make.
Neal Tieng:
Pace = someone will force one team to play their game. It is very important because it is the game the team thrives on. If they play slow, it plays into Ateneo's advantage and if it becomes frenzy, La Salle will be at the helm.
Pace = someone will force one team to play their game. It is very important because it is the game the team thrives on. If they play slow, it plays into Ateneo's advantage and if it becomes frenzy, La Salle will be at the helm.
Toby Pavon:
I would think so. Mayhem isn’t all about defense, it’s about every aspect of the game for DLSU. Maintaining a high ORTG isn’t going to matter if the opponent’s is even higher.
While I think Ateneo is that Spurs-like team which consistently plays at their B+ to A game, DLSU is a team that can go from C to A+ in a heartbeat. Mayhem might not slow down Ateneo’s offense but it’s also there to fuel DLSU’s own offense, which Ateneo might not be ready for.
I would think so. Mayhem isn’t all about defense, it’s about every aspect of the game for DLSU. Maintaining a high ORTG isn’t going to matter if the opponent’s is even higher.
While I think Ateneo is that Spurs-like team which consistently plays at their B+ to A game, DLSU is a team that can go from C to A+ in a heartbeat. Mayhem might not slow down Ateneo’s offense but it’s also there to fuel DLSU’s own offense, which Ateneo might not be ready for.
3. Can La Salle finally manage to run their Warriors-esque system with Mbala around versus Ateneo?
Context: Without Ben Mbala to start the season, La Salle ran a lot of quick, off ball action leading to open looks versus others teams. Ever since Ben has come back, the offense has bogged down to cater to Ben.
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| (Photo Credit: Athena Montes, The LaSallian) |
Highly unlikely. La Salle still doesn't know how to blend their nuclear bomb in Ben Mbala in their offense, so I doubt they run any good movement.
Claro Manzano:
Without Ben, the Lasallians moved the ball around, relied on each other on offense, and it proved to be effective. If DLSU clicks and distributes the ball equally, more players will be able to get going on offense to support the reigning UAAP MVP. Doing so will stretch the floor and give their opponents a difficult day on defense.
Colin Salao:
If La Salle is going to be able to run their Warriors-esque system, I doubt it will happen at least until the second round. It seems as though Ben’s presence has really disrupted the free flowing offense they ran at the beginning of the season, particularly for spitfire point guard Aljun Melecio, who’s questionable to play. The Green Archers are going to have to get back to the drawing board and recalibrate their system, and a good break for more detailed practices (perhaps between the two rounds) is what they’ll need to get back to proper form. For this game, I just don’t see it happening especially against one of the top defenses in the league. However, La Salle’s sheer talent is enough to dominate any team in the league, and running a team-oriented system may not be needed if Ben Mbala, Melecio and Andrei Caracut have their individual offensive games going.
Ged Austria:
La Salle may implement their Warriors-esque system at times during the game. But this would most probably be the time when Ben would be sitting down at the bench. When Ben is inside, they would still run plays that would cater to and is centered around Ben. Ever since Ben returned, that is what worked for them. It was superior. So why would they veer away from their strength? Other thab Ikeh, I think there wouldn't be another eagle to at least slow Big Ben down.
La Salle may implement their Warriors-esque system at times during the game. But this would most probably be the time when Ben would be sitting down at the bench. When Ben is inside, they would still run plays that would cater to and is centered around Ben. Ever since Ben returned, that is what worked for them. It was superior. So why would they veer away from their strength? Other thab Ikeh, I think there wouldn't be another eagle to at least slow Big Ben down.
Karlo Lovenia:
Nope. This is training camp for Mbala and La Salle. They'll try to run it, but they'll likely fail versus an Ateneo defense that is terrific in destroying motion offenses.
Nope. This is training camp for Mbala and La Salle. They'll try to run it, but they'll likely fail versus an Ateneo defense that is terrific in destroying motion offenses.
KantoHoopsSpotter:
No. It's not that they can't. It's just that Mbala doesn't allow that himself. The offense has generally bogged down as soon as he touches that basketball, everyone's feet is nailed to the floor. They have been utterly predictable instead of you know, opening things up with Mbala getting the last touch instead of the first.
No. It's not that they can't. It's just that Mbala doesn't allow that himself. The offense has generally bogged down as soon as he touches that basketball, everyone's feet is nailed to the floor. They have been utterly predictable instead of you know, opening things up with Mbala getting the last touch instead of the first.
Neal Tieng:
I think Tab and his coaching team has scouted La Salle very well. Unless La Salle runs new plays, expect steals and forced turnovers as a result of an in-depth scouting by Baldwin
I think Tab and his coaching team has scouted La Salle very well. Unless La Salle runs new plays, expect steals and forced turnovers as a result of an in-depth scouting by Baldwin
Toby Pavon:
I doubt it. Ateneo is too well coached to allow DLSU to run what they want. Expect a continued reliance on Ben Mbala for DLSU. What DLSU fans would want isn’t to see them running a specific system, but simply non-Ben players making their shots along side Ben.
Ateneo is a well disciplined and well coached team, focusing too much about running a system against them is a death wish. DLSU has talented players who will be forced to make things up as they go. Adjusting and reacting to Ateneo’s defense will be key to DLSU winning.
I doubt it. Ateneo is too well coached to allow DLSU to run what they want. Expect a continued reliance on Ben Mbala for DLSU. What DLSU fans would want isn’t to see them running a specific system, but simply non-Ben players making their shots along side Ben.
Ateneo is a well disciplined and well coached team, focusing too much about running a system against them is a death wish. DLSU has talented players who will be forced to make things up as they go. Adjusting and reacting to Ateneo’s defense will be key to DLSU winning.
4. Who will win the three-point shootout between Ikeh and Mbala?
Context: It's the match-up everybody is waiting for if we're being real about it.
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| (Photo Credit: Justin Louis Bala and Andrew Tablante for the idea) |
Aljo Dolores:
Ikeh vs. Mbala 3-Point shootout? These two guys did not even take a single three-point attempt last season! This must be a joke, right?
But it isn't. So here we are, trying to decipher who will win the Ikeh vs. Mbala 3-Point shootout this Sunday.
We already heard of the newfound long range shooting of Ben Mbala which was showcased during Afrobasket 2017. He is trying to bring some of the success he had from beyond the arc to the UAAP. In his first three games in Season 80, Big Ben went 6/16 (37.5%) in the three point area.
Not to be left behind, Ikeh started throwing threes this year, albeit fewer compared to Mbala's. His three point shooting is a learning process, but he's getting there. I mean, going 2/4 in six games aint bad for someone who is trying to expand his range, right?
I think Mbala will win the three-point shootout, because he is given a lot more freedom compared to Ikeh.
Camille Cutler:
IKEH!!!!!!
Claro Manzano:
I'd personally say that Ben will win this three-point shootout against Ikeh. Back in Cebu he was already shooting from the perimeter and even playing small forward position. Playing from the outside is nothing new to him and he displayed that skill set in the recent FIBA Afro Basket and in his four games this UAAP season
Colin Salao:
Someone needs to pitch this to be an actual event before the game, because I’m almost sure everyone will watch these two sharpshooters drill threes for a few minutes.
Ben Mbala is winning this, unless someone decides to make them shoot only from the top of the arc. In that case, put all your money on Chibueze Ikeh. But being completely honest, everyone watching this has to cheer for Ikeh, even if they’re a La Salle fan. Last year, Ateneans would sarcastically cheer when he’d make any shot a foot away from the basket. Now, he’s scoring with ease inside, and also drilling threes. Ikeh is making shots 21 feet further than shots he couldn’t make last year. You have to love him, no matter who you are. He’s awesome.
Ged Austria:
Can I call it a "tie?" Hahaha. If there's one thing the opposing coaches would like to happen, it would be either Ikeh or Ben jacking up more threes. Even if they proved this season that they can shoot from outside, it's clearly noth their strength, which is pounding inside the paint. Coaches would rather live and let the opposing imports shoot from the 3, than either Big Ben or Ikeh killing you from inside. But if someone were to make more threes, it's probably Big Ben, since if he gets the ball from top, Ikeh or whoever's guarding him would probably have more respect in his offensive abilities to penetrate off the dribble, leaving more space for Ben to pull up from outside.
Can I call it a "tie?" Hahaha. If there's one thing the opposing coaches would like to happen, it would be either Ikeh or Ben jacking up more threes. Even if they proved this season that they can shoot from outside, it's clearly noth their strength, which is pounding inside the paint. Coaches would rather live and let the opposing imports shoot from the 3, than either Big Ben or Ikeh killing you from inside. But if someone were to make more threes, it's probably Big Ben, since if he gets the ball from top, Ikeh or whoever's guarding him would probably have more respect in his offensive abilities to penetrate off the dribble, leaving more space for Ben to pull up from outside.
Karlo Lovenia:
The match-up we've all been waiting for. Ikeh versus Mbala. Let's analyze this with mathematics and analysis.
The letter E is commonly replaced with the number 3 whenever a player makes a three-pointer. For instances. KI3F3R! ST3PH! And so on and so forth. It looks jologs, but we still do it.
Let's analyze Ben and Ikeh's names.
Ben Mbala. Just one E.
Chibueze Ikeh. Three Es.
3 > 1
CHIBU3Z3 IK3H. Lezgetit.
The match-up we've all been waiting for. Ikeh versus Mbala. Let's analyze this with mathematics and analysis.
The letter E is commonly replaced with the number 3 whenever a player makes a three-pointer. For instances. KI3F3R! ST3PH! And so on and so forth. It looks jologs, but we still do it.
Let's analyze Ben and Ikeh's names.
Ben Mbala. Just one E.
Chibueze Ikeh. Three Es.
3 > 1
CHIBU3Z3 IK3H. Lezgetit.
KantoHoopsSpotter:
Ikeh! Good God did you see that step-in three?! Like fuck man. Mbala has a loading time when he does shoot, it's quite noticeable in his mechanics that he's slow to bring it up especially if you are closing out hard on him. Ikeh? Dude that step in says it all. Catch in strude, square in one step, throttle on the close out. Ikeh's shot mechanics is more polished than what we credit him for.
Ikeh! Good God did you see that step-in three?! Like fuck man. Mbala has a loading time when he does shoot, it's quite noticeable in his mechanics that he's slow to bring it up especially if you are closing out hard on him. Ikeh? Dude that step in says it all. Catch in strude, square in one step, throttle on the close out. Ikeh's shot mechanics is more polished than what we credit him for.
Neal Tieng:
None of the above. I expect the two to TRY. But for sure they will shoot air balls. The two are shooting 3s for not so long ago. In other words, it is a relatively newly acquired skill. As with newly acquired skill, they will not thrive under pressure where muscle memory is demanded the most. Why don't we have Isaac Go and Santi Santillan join the three-point shootout too?
None of the above. I expect the two to TRY. But for sure they will shoot air balls. The two are shooting 3s for not so long ago. In other words, it is a relatively newly acquired skill. As with newly acquired skill, they will not thrive under pressure where muscle memory is demanded the most. Why don't we have Isaac Go and Santi Santillan join the three-point shootout too?
Toby Pavon:
Uhm... what!? I’m not sure Tab would be happy if Ikeh did win this. Ben Mbala has shown he has range, we saw it against AdU, we saw it in FIBA. Using Baby (Lebron) James as a shooter would be wasteful, especially when he could be wreaking havoc just by cutting to the rim.
Either of these two players attempting to win this shootout would be to the delight of the opposing team. If it’s in their arsenal, well and good, but it should be a low priority for them both.
On second thought... having a stretch big of their size forces the other out of the paint thereby lea... (Gets tackled).
Uhm... what!? I’m not sure Tab would be happy if Ikeh did win this. Ben Mbala has shown he has range, we saw it against AdU, we saw it in FIBA. Using Baby (Lebron) James as a shooter would be wasteful, especially when he could be wreaking havoc just by cutting to the rim.
Either of these two players attempting to win this shootout would be to the delight of the opposing team. If it’s in their arsenal, well and good, but it should be a low priority for them both.
On second thought... having a stretch big of their size forces the other out of the paint thereby lea... (Gets tackled).
5. Who wins, Ateneo or La Salle?
Context: Someone has to win right?
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| (Photo Credit: Arvin Lim, ABS-CBN Sports) |
This one will be hard to predict. anyone can throw tons of arguments to say that either Ateneo or La Salle will win. For me, I'll go with the coach and the culture that was impressed upon the players. As I see it, Tab Baldwin has the upper hand on this. With him, Ateneo found a new identity and a life after Kiefer. He transformed the program from being Kiefer-centric to being team-oriented. Remember, Ateneo went to the finals last year without a player who averaged at least 10 points per game in the elimination round. With the improvements by Ateneo (and Thirdy) is showing this season, I believe Tab Baldwin will outcoach Aldin Ayo on Sunday. I'll go with Ateneo on this one.
Camille Cutler:
I say Ateneo wins. Their discipline on both ends of the floor with likely trump La Salle's Mayhem system. As Karlo mentioned, this is still training camp for La Salle. They likely gain more by losing, rather than winning the game.
Claro Manzano:
It's going to be a close one but I'd go with La Salle if they keep up their tenacious style of play and hustle.
Colin Salao:
I see La Salle’s defensive pressure giving Ateneo fits for most of the game, as the Green Archers are the best at the league at forcing turnovers and converting easy buckets off of them. Ateneo’s also going to have to hope their three-point shooting doesn’t escape them on a night where Ben Mbala’s presence in the paint will likely limit Thirdy Ravena and Co.’s effectiveness around the basket.
However, I think the Blue Eagles array of weapons, both inside and in the perimeter will get the best of the Green Archers on Sunday. Their discipline on defense and improved rebounding will also be unlike any that La Salle has faced this season. I also believe Head Coach Tab Baldwin’s ready to bring out press breaks that will give Ateneo enough easy buckets to offset the turnovers their archrivals will be looking to force. While I’m picking these two teams to split their two meetings in the elimination rounds, I’m going to have to go with the homer pick for this first meeting as Ateneo’s just been too dominant this season to pick against.
It's going to be a close one but I'd go with La Salle if they keep up their tenacious style of play and hustle.
Colin Salao:
I see La Salle’s defensive pressure giving Ateneo fits for most of the game, as the Green Archers are the best at the league at forcing turnovers and converting easy buckets off of them. Ateneo’s also going to have to hope their three-point shooting doesn’t escape them on a night where Ben Mbala’s presence in the paint will likely limit Thirdy Ravena and Co.’s effectiveness around the basket.
However, I think the Blue Eagles array of weapons, both inside and in the perimeter will get the best of the Green Archers on Sunday. Their discipline on defense and improved rebounding will also be unlike any that La Salle has faced this season. I also believe Head Coach Tab Baldwin’s ready to bring out press breaks that will give Ateneo enough easy buckets to offset the turnovers their archrivals will be looking to force. While I’m picking these two teams to split their two meetings in the elimination rounds, I’m going to have to go with the homer pick for this first meeting as Ateneo’s just been too dominant this season to pick against.
Ged Austria:
I'm picking Ateneo to win this match. Almost everyone expects Lasalle to win and this isn't a surprise. Even with Ateneo having a better record (6-0), Lasalle is still the "team to beat" with Big Ben on board. But why Ateneo? They are simply playing unselfish and follows the system. The 6-0 record doesn't make you superior, because everyone knows Lasalle is still the best and defending champion. And all of them somehow plays better when they are seen as the "underdogs." They always play inspired.
I'm picking Ateneo to win this match. Almost everyone expects Lasalle to win and this isn't a surprise. Even with Ateneo having a better record (6-0), Lasalle is still the "team to beat" with Big Ben on board. But why Ateneo? They are simply playing unselfish and follows the system. The 6-0 record doesn't make you superior, because everyone knows Lasalle is still the best and defending champion. And all of them somehow plays better when they are seen as the "underdogs." They always play inspired.
Karlo Lovenia:
Long story short, Ateneo should win this one, but it won't be pretty. Expect La Salle to come out firing coming out of the gates, with their pressure working to perfection. But once Coach Tab makes the adjustments and settles his players down, Ateneo will slowly come back and win by a small margin. This will be a bloodbath.
Long story short, Ateneo should win this one, but it won't be pretty. Expect La Salle to come out firing coming out of the gates, with their pressure working to perfection. But once Coach Tab makes the adjustments and settles his players down, Ateneo will slowly come back and win by a small margin. This will be a bloodbath.
KantoHoopsSpotter:
I'm not going for anything green. Nope nope nope. My boys have a chance and I'll take that.
I'm not going for anything green. Nope nope nope. My boys have a chance and I'll take that.
Neal Tieng:
"I exercise the right against self-discrimination" - Asec. Mocha Uson
Just kidding.
My pick is that Ateneo will win.simply because La Salle is sitll in such a turmoil in figuring out who will do what. With almost 80% overhaul of the starting line-up and the second unit not ready to take over yet.
"I exercise the right against self-discrimination" - Asec. Mocha Uson
Just kidding.
My pick is that Ateneo will win.simply because La Salle is sitll in such a turmoil in figuring out who will do what. With almost 80% overhaul of the starting line-up and the second unit not ready to take over yet.
Toby Pavon:
DLSU.
As much as I’m a fan of Ateneo’s offense and discipline, when DLSU plays focused and determined basketball they are still unbeatable. Both DLSU and Ateneo players have said time and again that DLSU v Ateneo games are special, just because there’s a different determination from both sides.
Change the name of ADMU, keep their coaches and players and everything about them, that Ateneo wins because it will be just another game for DLSU.
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DLSU.
As much as I’m a fan of Ateneo’s offense and discipline, when DLSU plays focused and determined basketball they are still unbeatable. Both DLSU and Ateneo players have said time and again that DLSU v Ateneo games are special, just because there’s a different determination from both sides.
Change the name of ADMU, keep their coaches and players and everything about them, that Ateneo wins because it will be just another game for DLSU.
Have comments? Violent reactions? Want to join in on the conversation? Comment down below, or follow us on Twitter @karlolovenia, @camillecutlerx, @AljoDolores, @zippo_d_frog, @gedaustria, @coriyapavon, @colinmaybe and @oralc!
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