Eagles in for tougher challenge
Games Today (Mall of Asia Arena) 2 p.m. — Adamson vs UE 4 p.m. — NU vs Ateneo
More than their rivals, the Ateneo Blue Eagles are aware they have no other bigger foe than themselves.
That explains why Ateneo is leaving nothing to chance when it tries to sustain its unbeaten start against unpredictable National University today in the resumption of UAAP Season 80 basketball at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Tip off is at 4 p.m., with the Blue Eagles out to repeat a 96-83 victory over the Bulldogs last September 30, extend their winning start to nine games and continue to boost their stock as a legitimate force after finishing as bridesmaid to defending champion De La Salle Green last year.
But Sandy Arespacochaga, Ateneo’s designated head coach, is urging the Blue Eagles to keep their focus and not look too far ahead, knowing the Bulldogs—and their next rivals—are plotting an ambush.
“We’re not really looking at our record right now. That’s what we keep on emphasizing,” he said. “Coach Tab (Baldwin) wants us to focus on the next game, the current game that’s in front of us and not our record, not our standing. That is what’s more important.”
Squaring off in the 2 p.m. opener are Adamson and University of the East, with the Soaring Falcons out to get back on track and the Red Warriors determined to sustain their resurgence.
“It (race to the Final Four) will be tighter and tighter and there’s no third round. We have to make a move right now if we want to stay in contention,” said UE coach Derrick Pumaren, eager to use the Red Warriors’ two-game run as a momentum in their bid to avenge a 79-60 loss to the Falcons early this month.
Much of the focus, however, will be on the Blue Eagles, who have been playing on a different level behind their cohesive offense and defensive intensity.
But top wingman Thirdy Ravena believes nothing will come easy for Ateneo.
“It’s a new round. Hindi pwedeng same lang ‘yung preparation namin dun sa ginawa namin nung first round. Kasi lahat naman ng teams na yan, first round, nag-a-adjust ‘yan. We still have to work hard, we can’t be complacent,” he said.