Blue Eagles learning to play, win together
MANILA, Philippines — Usually, a varsity team learns a lot during the preseason, is put to test in the first round because the matches do count in the big tournament, and the adjustments are made in the second round.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles defeated the National University Bulldogs, 69-65, to move up to fifth place in the standings with a 5-4 record. They have won two consecutive matches after a three-game slide.
The game against La Salle this Saturday has huge implications as the Blue Eagles are tied with DLSU with the same win-loss slate.
Before we go into that, it is worth noting that every time Ateneo has led in the first half, they went on to win the game.
Of course, no game is won after the first 20 minutes. If you root for Ateneo, you have to be concerned after the fourth quarter finishing kick.
(Adamson in the first round, FEU and NU in the second round) in the final period. Thus far, Louie Alas has fielded five different starting fives in nine matches. However, I believe it is a match-up thing. Nothing wrong with that.
The point I am making is the team is still learning to play together as well as to win.
Unlike others that had plenty of time to work on their game, Ateneo has to learn on the job with games on the line.
Nine players have played in all nine matches and have logged more than 10 minutes of playing time: Kieffer Alas, Jared Bahay, Travis Roberts, Shawn Tuano, Ian Espinosa, Andrew Bongo, EJ Kapihe, Grayson Rogers and Sultan Baruwa.
Two others have eight minutes of playing time in JM Leal and Alden Cainglet.
Louie Alas uses an average of 12 players per match. Prior to the start of the UAAP season, he did go on the record to say he would play around 12-13 per match. But it also depends.
The Blue Eagles are far from a finished product. But there are positive things.
On a per-match basis, Ateneo is tops in steals with 10.3 points, fast-break points with 14.1, and turnover points with 19.1.
And given everything that has happened, they have done better than expected and are 5-4 with five more games to play.
abtestabtest Eala fights back from a set down By John Bryan Ulanday | 12 hours ago Alex Eala displayed fortitude and resilience in hacking out a 4-6, 6-2, 6-0 comeback win against Talia Gibson of Australia... Sports Kai’s status in doubt By Joaquin M. Henson | 12 hours ago It’s not certain if Kai Sotto will suit up for Gilas in the fifth FIBA World Cup Asia qualifying window in Seremban,... Sports Coleman joins Ajido as Philippines flag-bearers 12 hours ago The Philippines will have not just one, but two flag-bearers – Jamesray Mishael Ajido and fellow swimmer Riannah Chantelle... Sports Djokovic wins Basel opener to boost ATP Finals bid 2 hours ago Novak Djokovic dug deep to overcome Ugo Humbert in three sets in his opening match in Basel, keeping his bid to qualify for... Sports Latest More in Sports Sun Life's first bike & run event slated Nov. 8 Dumdumaya, 3 other Pinoys ready to rise to AAC challenge at Te Arai Bahay, Alas lead Eagles to repeat win over Bulldogs RHJ, Tropa close in on semis abtest Lady Tamaraws boost SSL drive 12 hours ago Far Eastern University drew closer to securing a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals after an emphatic sweep... Sports Ramos snares bronze in weightlifting world joust By Joey Villar | 12 hours ago Rose Jean Ramos took the first significant step towards earning a ticket to the 2028 LA Olympics in picking up a bronze... Sports Shin pulls away; Avaricio, Kim share Rd 2 lead 12 hours ago Micah Shin shrugged off a shaky backside start with a timely birdie-par-eagle finish before keeping his momentum at the Apo... Sports Bolick, Winston push Road Warriors one win away from PBA semis By Ralph Edwin Villanueva | 14 hours ago Robert Bolick and Schonny Winston produced 31 points each to push the NLEX Road Warriors to a huge 124-117 victory over the... Sports Hollis-Jefferson drops 39 as Tropang 5G go 2-0 Hotshots By Ralph Edwin Villanueva | 16 hours ago Rondae Hollis-Jefferson carried the TNT Tropang 5G to a 2-0 PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinal lead over the Magnolia Hotshots,... Sports Recommended Prosecution to defense: Don’t delay impeach trial 12 hours ago Lawyers of Vice President Sara Duterte should not engage in delaying tactics in presenting her defense before the Senate impeachment... SportsSARASARA DUTERTE Aplasca files reply to direct assault rap 12 hours ago Former Senate sergeant-at-arms Mao Aplasca has filed his counter-affidavit on the direct assault complaint filed against him... SportsAPLASCAMAO Marcos: Don't panic over peso fall to P64 per dollar 21 hours ago President Marcos Jr. says rising oil prices are weighing on the currency and economy. SportsBONGBONG MARCOSCURRENCYFOREX Premature to talk about VP replacement – Palace 1 day ago It’s premature to talk about a possible replacement for Vice President Sara Duterte while her impeachment trial is ongoing,... SportsSARA DUTERTE JV open to inviting budget watchdogs to bicam hearings 1 day ago Senate finance committee chairman JV Ejercito is open to inviting civil society organizations to the bicameral conference... SportsLACSONSENATE next Recommended Prosecution to defense: Don’t delay impeach trial Lawyers of Vice President Sara Duterte should not engage in delaying tactics in presenting her defense before the Senate impeachment court, nor should they employ any filibuster methods to drag the case even further. 12 hours ago SARA SARA DUTERTE Aplasca files reply to direct assault rap Former Senate sergeant-at-arms Mao Aplasca has filed his counter-affidavit on the direct assault complaint filed against him over the May 13 Senate shooting. 12 hours ago APLASCA MAO Marcos: Don't panic over peso fall to P64 per dollar President Marcos Jr. says rising oil prices are weighing on the currency and economy. 21 hours ago BONGBONG MARCOS CURRENCY FOREX Premature to talk about VP replacement – Palace It’s premature to talk about a possible replacement for Vice President Sara Duterte while her impeachment trial is ongoing, Malacañang said yesterday. 1 day ago SARA DUTERTE JV open to inviting budget watchdogs to bicam hearings Senate finance committee chairman JV Ejercito is open to inviting civil society organizations to the bicameral conference committee hearings on the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, after the groups flagged up to P1 trillion in potential pork barrel funds in the House of Representatives’ version of the spending bill. 1 day ago LACSON SENATE OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!
