All throughout his four-year stay at the Ateneo de Manila University, Matt Nieto has grown by leaps and bounds. Besides being a floor general, he has developed a reputation for being a cold-blooded assassin.
Remember his shot that stunned Chinese-Taipei’s Men’s National Basketball Team last July 21?
So when the Blue Eagles were down against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons early in the final frame on Sunday afternoon, everyone knew who will provide the spark for the defending champions.
The Ateneo lifer took matters into his own hands, trying to bring Ateneo back from an eight-point deficit. A three-point play with 6:58 left gave life to the Ateneo fans in attendance, while a steal and two free throws 39 seconds later rallied the Blue Eagles back and knot the contest.
The 6-foot-1 guard continued to will his way in the paint for more free throws and lay-ins. As the dust settled, he scored 12 of his 21 point in the final frame, but the Blue Eagles dropped a 70-74 stunner.
“I just want to win. I don’t want to lose, ‘di talaga ako magpapatalo because I’m really a competitor.
“I just want to do what I can for the team na hindi nalalayo sa job ko. Wala eh, talagang nag-fall short kami pero first game, ganun talaga yung life,” the 23 for 2023 Gilas Cadet reflected.
It was an uncharacteristic game for the Blue Eagles, as they shot just 28 percent from the field (a two-year low for the Blue Eagles) and committed 19 turnovers – up three errors from their Season 80 average.
For Nieto, he gave credit where credit was due.
“Well credit to Adamson and their scouting, readyng-ready talaga sila sa amin. They really have different defenses for specific players like Thirdy [Ravena],” he admitted. “Credit to them, their coaches, their scouting team, and their players for following their system.”
With this loss, an alarm has triggered for the Blue Eagles. After being the hunters last season, they have become the hunted.
“Of course ang dami naming kailangan i-improve. Si Ange [Kouame], he’s really young. It’s his first time playing in the UAAP. And yung mga execution namin,” he shared.
“We know that every team is motivated to beat us, not just Adamson, but every team in the UAAP. They’re really hungry to beat us so we just have to outwork them and pigilan sila na i-execute yung game plan nila against sa amin kasi lagi nga kaming may target sa likod namin.”
