Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
2018 smart city summer classic – under 25 – admu def csb – jolo mendoza
2018 smart city summer classic – under 25 – admu def csb – jolo mendoza

ADMU

Jolo Mendoza, SJ Belangel quell Letran as Ateneo advances to semis


Despite not having their senior players, the young Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles were able to display poise under pressure, staving off the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights, 62-54, Saturday afternoon at the Greenhills West Indoor Court in San Juan City.

With the win, the Blue Eagles advance to the knockout semifinals of the 2018 SMART City Hoops 25-Under Summer Classic. They will face the UP Fighting Maroons on Wednesday, June 6, in this tournament presented by Chooks-to-Go, Mighty Sports, Rain or Shine Elasto Paint, Wilson Basketball, and Cignal TV.

But outside of the win, what impressed Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga was how his team embraced the “next man up”-mentality they have been preaching.

“Whoever is in, we believe that they are going to do the same job as the veterans. That’s the philosophy we want to teach these guys,” shared Arepacochaga, who was sitting in for head coach Tab Baldwin as he is hosting a coaching clinic.

Behind the troika of William Navarro, Jawuan White, and Gabe Natividad, the Blue Eagles were able to buck a slow start to lead by as much as 17 points, 48-31, late in the third frame. The troika finished with nine points each, with Navarro, a transferee from San Beda, grabbing eight boards as well.

“We’re trying to make sure that we work on our system on both ends,” added Arespacochaga, an Ateneo lifer. “So it doesn’t matter if some of our veteran players were out. What we’re after was how well will the other guys execute given the situation. We’re going to depend on them in the UAAP.”

After being cold for most of the game, the Knights were able to finally find their groove in the final frame. They were able to break Ateneo’s hard press while getting some stops. Letran went on an 11-0 run capped by a rare four-point play by Jerrick Balanza to cut the lead down to just four points, 46-50, with 5:09 left.

#ReadMore  Bonnie Tan formally passes Letran baton to Rensy Bajar

Needing someone to lead them, it was former Blue Eaglets SJ Belangel and Jolo Mendoza who stepped up to the plate. The two took charge in Ateneo’s counter-run that put Letran away for good.

“We had some ups and downs. That’s what we talked about. It’s good that we were able to stop their run and be organized. There was a moment there when we were in a panic. It’s good that the players settled down and did their job,” remarked Arespacochaga.

“I could say that the coaching staff did a great job but all we told them was to relax. They were the ones who adjusted. Credit to our players,” he pointed out.

Mendoza finished with nine markers as well, all coming from downtown, while Belangel chipped in six points and three assists.

Larry Muyang was the sole Knight to score in double-figures with 10 points. Expected leaders Bong Quinto and JP Calvo both struggled against Ateneo’s defense, finishing with just six points each with Quinto shooting a horrid 2-of-12 from the field.

The Scores:

ADMU 62 – Mendoza 9, Navarro 9, White 9, Natividad 9, Mamuyac 6, Belangel 6, Kouame 5, Wong 4, Mallillin 3, Tio 2, Andrade 0, Black 0, Maagdenberg 0.

CSJL 54 – Muyang 10, Agbong 8, Fajarito 6, Balanza 6, Calvo 6, Quinto 6, Ambohot 6, Balagasay 2, Mandreza 2, Batiller 2, Yu 0, Celis 0.

Quarterscores: 9-14, 30-31, 50-35, 62-54.

Written By


You May Also Like

ADMU

Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin sees no reason to dwell on his biggest loss in the UAAP, as the Blue Eagles still have much...

ADMU

University of the Philippines showcased its dominance over archrival Ateneo de Manila University with a commanding 28-point victory, 75-47, to enhance its pursuit of...

Basketball

Emilio Aguinaldo College took a significant step toward boosting its NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Final Four hopes, securing a crucial 68-58 win over...

ADMU

The rivalry between Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University will always be a crowd-drawer in the UAAP. However, the latest installment...

ADMU

Through nine games, it’s safe to say that Jared Bahay’s rookie season with Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s...

ADMU

Jared Bahay delivered his best scoring performance for Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday in their rivalry game against De La Salle University. The...

ADMU

Kevin Quiambao reset his career-high with 33 points as De La Salle University asserted its dominance over rival Ateneo de Manila University, 80-65, marking...

Basketball

With Jose Rizal University on the brink of elimination from Final Four contention in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament, Mart Barrera stepped...

Advertisement