Quick Fire: Ateneo Blue Eagles survive La Salle Green Archers run to sweep first round

(Photo Credit: John Oranga, Fabilioh)

Ateneo Blue Eagles def. La Salle Green Archers 76-75

Notable Players:

Matt Nieto, Ateneo (16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 ballsy free throws): We all know the big shots, but how he broke La Salle's mayhem and settled down Ateneo was just as impressive.

Anton Asistio, Ateneo (14 points, 4 made threes): He didn't do too well late in the game but his threes at the start were key.

Jolo Mendoza, Ateneo (10 points, 2/3 3FG, 2 assists): Jolo was terrific for most of this game, taking advantage of La Salle's poor coverage on the perimeter to hit some timely shots. He still has a ways to go at being a play maker, but he's getting there.

Ben Mbala, La Salle (18 points, 13 rebounds): He had *just* 18 points, but how he forced Ateneo to help on him again and again was key in making this game close. A facilitating Mbala is a nightmare to be up against.

Ricci Rivero, La Salle (19 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals): Ricci was one of the beneficiaries of the attention being given to Ben as he cut to the rim endlessly and was awesome defensively. He was a revelation.

Quick Analysis

- To say that Ateneo won just because of "breaks of the game" is lazy. They got breaks, but they grabbed the opportunity and beat La Salle with it. Wins are never handed. Always earned. They pounced on La Salle's errors and ended up with an intense win versus their rivals.

- On that note, much work has to be done for Ateneo. La Salle did a great job of defending their hand off action (their primary mode of attack for off ball movement), so their spacing was hampered. Don't be surprised if they sprinkle in some pinch post action in there soon.

-  Props to La Salle, as they took advantage of Ateneo focusing too much on Mbala to their advantage. One on one, no one can stop Ben. That's a given. So Ateneo threw in a bunch of defenders versus Ben, to the delight of Coach Aldin. This gave guys like Ricci Rivero, Andrei Caracut and Jollo Go space to operate around. 

- La Salle's still the favorites to win it all. They're the more talented team and slowly but surely, they're starting to figure out how to use Ben within their motion offense. Come Final Four time, it won't be pretty.