Sean Quitevis had a subpar game against University of Santo Tomas – at least if one were to look solely at the final stat sheet – despite Ateneo de Manila University’s victory.
In the Blue Eagles’ 67-64 escape against the Growling Tigers at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, Quitevis managed just two points on 1-of-4 shooting from the field, along with three rebounds, two assists, and three steals.
However, those two points were among the most important baskets in the game, and they came thanks to his signature defense.
With Ateneo ahead by just two points and 16 seconds left, former Blue Eagle and now Growling Tiger Forthsky Padrigao was ready to inbound the ball, with a chance to tie or even take the lead.
However, Quitevis read Padrigao’s pass intended for Nic Cabañero perfectly, leading to an easy fast-break layup that put Ateneo up by four points.
Getting the steal against their former teammate Padrigao, Quitevis downplayed the moment, describing it as just doing his job.
“Honestly, it was nothing special. I just tried to do our job, and yeah, we just tried to stay disciplined, do our job, and it went in our favor,” said the Ateneo captain.
Facing Padrigao was certainly a challenge that the team had prepared for.
Although Quitevis was tasked with shadowing Cabañero for most of the game, Chris Koon and Shawn Tuano sought his insights on how to contain the former Mythical Team member.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Tuano and Chris had the match-up with Forthsky today, I had Cabañero, but they were asking me for tips on Forthsky. I just told them, ‘Man, Forthsky is such a talent; you just gotta stay disciplined, don’t gamble’,” shared the 24-year-old Cebuano.
“He’s gonna try to make great plays, and it will happen at times, but you gotta stay disciplined, stay the course, and trust our system.”
Quitevis takes pride in fulfilling his role, regardless of whether he gets to take shots. He has fully bought into what the young Blue Eagles are trying to achieve, even amid their less-than-ideal win-loss record – now at 3-6, which ties them for sixth place with Far Eastern University.
Ateneo aims to win three straight when it plays Adamson University on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Honestly, in Ateneo and our culture, it’s really about serving one another. I don’t really mind not getting shots. If the shots are there, I’ll take them, but I’m here to serve my teammates, serve my coaches, and serve the community, so I’ve got no ego. I’m here to do my job, that’s it,” said the defensive specialist.
“It’s all about staying the course for us during a time of crisis like a tough first round. It was important for us not to lose belief in one another and in the coaching staff. It was crucial for us to buy in even more, shut out the noise, and trust our inner circle.”
