The Ateneo Blue Eagles are finally back on track in UAAP Season 88 with a streak-busting win over the UE Red Warriors.
Tab Balwin and the Ateneo Blue Eagles heaved a sigh of relief as they were finally able to break out of their slump in UAAP Season 88 after denying the UE Red Warriors, 78-74, in their second round encounter at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
In contrast to their other games where they tapered off in the fourth quarter, the Blue Eagles were able to get things going in the clutch this time around.
After entering the fourth down seven, 57-64, the Blue Eagles amped up their game on both ends of the floor to mount a comeback during a period where they outscored their opponents, 21-10, to even out their slate at 5-5.
For Baldwin, it was a good change of pace for Ateneo who had grown desperate for victory — even if there were areas for improvement, especially on defense.
“As happy as we are with the win, we're not very happy with our defense and especially the way we started the game defensively, giving up 60 points in the first three quarters.” said Baldwin after the match.
“You know, it doesn't speak very highly of our motivation and our defensive intensity, but we kind of reversed the trend in the fourth quarter.”
Another thing that Baldwin was able to lean on this time around was the presence of center Divine Adili, who after missing three games due to injury, made sure to impact the game when he finished with a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds.
[RELATED: UAAP: Ateneo spoils Lingolingo's return, snaps losing skid vs UE]
Adili was pivotal in the fourth quarter as well with crucial makes on offense and commanding the boards inside the paint.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles amped up on both ends of the floor to get things going in the fourth quarter over UE. | Photo: RM Chua / One Sports
Diesel Eagles
“We haven't been a good fourth quarter team. And today our defense stood up in the fourth quarter and the offense came in behind it. And so, you know, we managed to get a win that we desperately needed.” said Balwdin of how things transpired against UE.
Still, Baldwin knows that there’s no time to be complacent in their position, with all teams vying for semifinal spots in a very crowded midfield.
The Katipunan squad knows that it’s only the start of their uphill climb, with a tough schedule coming for Ateneo in their last four games of elimination starting with the DLSU Green Archers this weekend.
“We're going to need to be better going forward. But, you know, very happy with where we're at right now.” said Baldwin.
Kymani Ladi top scored for Baldwin’s Blue Eagles with 16 points. He also had nine boards and one assist.
Ian Espinosa also played a key role in the victory with 13 points.
For UE, Precious Momowei had 19 points and 18 rebounds in the losing effort as the returning Wello Lingolingo finished with 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
UE remains winless in 10 outings in UAAP Season 88. They face defending champions UP at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday.
—
Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.