Humblebola

By: Eriko C. Dela Cruz M.D.

Ateneo vs Adamson games in the Tab Baldwin and Nash Racela era have been some of the most underrated matchups during the season. Aside from the usual spicy post-game quotes post-game, the action on the court has been some of the most intense battles. Season 87’s first round matchup is no different, and it could not have come at a better time for the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

It would be a huge understatement to say that the young Blue Eagles squad struggled early in the season. In their first three games the Blue Eagles hung around in the game until the end of the first half, only to get blown out in the second half. Third quarters have been dreaded as Ateneo has a lot of difficulty producing meaningful offense, the main reason why teams usually pull ahead in the later parts of the game.

In the match against Adamson, the effects of Chris Koon’s return was evident as the Blue Eagles’ offense ran smoother. Having Koon as a secondary floor general alongside Bahay or Espinosa relieves a lot of tension on the point guards and is an additional scoring option. While Koon was definitely a huge factor to Ateneo’s 60-51 win, it was the effort of rookie center Kris Porter that sealed the victory.

Despite being outrebounded by a taller Adamson squad 46-35, Porter grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds (tied with OJ Ojarikre, an FSA who easily towers Porter). Shawn Tuano was again old-reliable as he scored in double digits for the fourth game in as many outings. Kyle Gamber was the game’s magic bunot, hitting two triples as the Soaring Falcons were threatening to come back into the game.

While Ateneo seems to have found a second wind in the third quarter (their waterloo ever since they started rebuilding last season), there were still problem areas in the Blue Eagle system that need immediate attention– rebounding continues to be a problem.

Ateneo has faced monster frontlines in UP, DLSU, and UST in their past three games, and Adamson’s front court is formidable in their own right with Manzano, Fransman, and Ojarikre. Victor Balogun has yet to familiarize himself with Coach Tab’s system, and still seems to be overeager on the court. If he settles down and finds his role in the team, it would be another facet that Ateneo would gain and take advantage of in future games.

Adamson threatened Ateneo’s lead, scoring eight straight points to bring the lead down to three in the final quarter. The Ateneo faithful were on the edge of their seats, in familiar territory once again. Were they going to let another game slip away? Fortunately, the Blue Eagles had the composure needed, answering with defensive stops and timely baskets to put the game away. The Ateneo Blue Eagles need games like these in order to test their decision-making skills, resolve, and composure. It might not be a definite sign of things to come, but it is a good foundation to build on.