The defending champions are looking to shake off their rocky start to the season.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles did what was expected of them on Wednesday as they defeated the hapless UST Growling Tigers, 97-77, in the continuation of the first round of UAAP Season 86.
With the victory, the defending champions improved their win-loss record to 3-3. The bottom-dwelling Tigers, on the other hand, are now 0-6.
Coming off a heartbreaking overtime loss to the FEU Tamaraws, coach Tab Baldwin and his wards made sure that UST wouldn’t get its first W at Ateneo’s expense.
Chris Koon paced the Blue Eagles with 21 points, including timely buckets that fended off the Tigers’ spirited run in the third period. After the game, the Ateneo swingman explained why they made sure to bring their A- game against the Pido Jarencio-mentored team.
“It was definitely something that coach (Baldwin) emphasized, knowing that they (UST) haven’t won a game,” said Koon, who also recorded six rebounds and five assists, in an interview with the UAAP Varsity Channel.
“Their backs were against the wall so it’s important for us to stick to what we know, stay aggressive every possession, stay consistent throughout the whole game,” he elaborated.
Inside the paint, the hoopers from Katipunan relied on Joseph Obasa who posted 17 markers on 88% field goal shooting, eight rebounds, and two blocks.
The Blue Eagles will try to come up with their first winning streak of the season as they go up against the undefeated UP Fighting Maroons this Sunday in a rematch of last year's finals.
(PM)