Considered as the top offensive team this season, the Ateneo Blue Eagles meet the Far Eastern University Tamaraws at 4 p.m. today in the 81st University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Averaging 80.6 points per game, the Blue Eagles look forward to maintaining their offensive clout against the Tamaraws.
The Eagles were held to just 72 points when they defeated the Green Archers last Saturday.
But for coach Tab Baldwin, defense is where they want to excel and be consistent.
“I was pleased with our defense, but I wasn’t so pleased with our offense and rebounding. I think it’s a good way to win games, to be a good defensive team,” said Baldwin as the Blue Eagles seek their fifth consecutive win today and a chance to improve on their 5-1 record at the end of their first round campaign.
After scoring an 88-85 overtime win over the Adamson Falcons, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws want to stretch their winning streak to three when they face the Eagles.
But they will have to do it without 6’5” forward Arvin Tolentino, who will serve a one-game suspension, after he was thrown out in the 3:43 mark of the fourth quarter of their game against Adamson.
Tolentino topscored for 19 points in that game, but he when he hit Adamson star Sean Manganti in the face, he was slapped a disqualifying foul by the referee.
But they have to cut short their celebration of halting the Adamson Falcons’ five-game winning streak.
“‘Yun talaga ang rule namin for the day, magsimula sa practice. Huwag magkulang sa practice. Magse-celebrate kami, pero balik trabaho ulit bukas,” said Tams skipper Wendell Comboy.
The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, still high on their 89-88 triumph over the National University Bulldogs, clash with the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers at 2 p.m.
The Maroons almost lost that game following an endgame collapse, but a defensive stop in the end from Akhuetie Bright and Gomez de Liano brothers Juan and Javi allowed them to secure their third win in six games.
Javi Gomez de Liano went on to have a career-high game with 19 points on 9-for-19 shooting in 32 minutes.