THE Ateneo Blue Eagles will focus on improving their defense as season 79 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament progresses.
This is what coach Sandy Arespacochaga promised as the Blue Eagles get ready to meet the Adamson Falcons at 4 p.m. today at the Araneta Coliseum.
Holding down the Falcons’ ace shooter Jerrick Ahanmisi will be one of the challenges for the Blue Eagles in their quest to score their third win in four games.
“We’d like to see more defensive efforts and defensive stops in the first half,” said Arespacochaga after they prevailed over defending champion Far Eastern University, 71-76, last Sunday.
Earlier, the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers will try to bounce back from a humiliating 62-100 loss to the La Salle Green Archers in their 2 p.m. clash with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
UST shares the same 1-2 slate with FEU following that loss while the Falcons hold a 1-1 card.
Much is expected from skipper Thirdy Ravena, who proved his worth in their game with FEU.
The 19-year-old Ravena joined hands with Anton Asistio in the 10-5 run that carried Ateneo to the win. He made 5 of his 17 points in the last two minutes.
“It’s the mentality coming into the game to stick to the system. Once you stick to the system, your game’s going to come to you,” said Ravena.
The Blue Eagles could miss key player Aaron Black, who hurt his left foot going into the first two minutes of the game.
On the other hand, UST ace is Mario Bonleon could miss the rest of Season 79 due to injury.
The second-year guard reportedly aggravated the injury on his left hand during their losing game to La Salle.
Bonleon is set to have surgery next week and is expected to be out for eight months.
Games Today
(Araneta Coliseum)
2 p.m. UST vs UP
4 p.m. Ateneo vs Adamson