It took Thirdy Ravena and the plethora of swingmen of the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles to limit Alvin Pasaol
Pasaol, the second leading scorer of the UAAP at 22.2 points per game, has been on a tear the past six games. Ever since his 49-point outing against the De La Salle University last October 4, the burly, 6-foot-2 averaged 28.2 points — including a 23-point outing against Ben Mbala and the Green Archers last October 25.
But the Blue Eagles made sure to swarm Pasaol right from the get-go on Saturday afternoon while constantly attacking his defense. He was limited to his season-low eight points on 2-for-11 shooting.
“Alvin’s an offensive threat but right away we attacked him in the beginning of the game,” shared Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin, “We got a couple of fouls on him and I know that gets to a player’s mind. My experience in the game is when you’re out there trying to operate with a couple of fouls early in the game, it really distracts you. It takes away from your aggressiveness generally.”
“Siguro ganun lang talaga, may off-day talaga. Siguro ito yung araw na yun,” the 22-year-old added.
“Yung defense nila, laging nasa akin. Di nila ako nilulubayan.”
Compared to Pasaol’s gallant stand three days ago against Mbala, the Red Warriors seemed to struggle more with Ateneo’s defense — most especially Ravena’s.
“Alvin is a scoring machine, he is tough and physical. Na-challenge kami to defend him,” shared Ravena, who was also Ateneo’s leading scorer with 17 points to go along with eight rebounds.
“Thirdy had him for most of it,” added Vince Tolentino, “When I had him on a couple of possessions, to be able to just make the shots tougher and he hit tough shots, we can live with that. He’s a scoring threat.”
“Siguro mas nag-stick talaga sila [Ateneo]. Same lang naman sila [ng La Salle] pero siguro iba kasi talaga yung depensa ng Ateneo diba talaga kaysa nung kay Mbala nung last,” said Pasaol.
After losing to Ateneo, 73-97, UE are now on the brink of elimination with a 3-9 record. Still, the lively Red Warrior vows to continue fighting for the Red and White.
“Laban pa rin kami. Kahit nasa baba ang standings namin pero kailangan pa rin namin lumaban.”
