Tab Baldwin satisfied as Ateneo proves to be better decision makers to begin round 2

Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin was happy at his players for being better decision makers as they survived a tough and gritty NU Bulldogs squad in their first game of round 2 in UAAP Season 87, 70-68, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, October 13.

Facing the Bulldogs again after the week-long break, Ateneo reversed its fortunes last time out with key endgame moments where they were able to come up with clutch baskets. Despite the win being too close for comfort for the American coach, Baldwin is happy to take the victory as it also arrested a three-game slide.

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“I’d like us to have better composure in the fourth quarter. I'd like us to be better decision makers. But I think today we displayed a toughness that we might have lacked in other games this year,” said Baldwin, whose team had to endure a last-gasp triple by Jolo Manansala that brought the contest to a one-point game, 68-69.

“It shows that the team is starting to mature. But if we want to keep winning, that is the hope. We've got to continue to get better, play better basketball than we played today.”

Baldwin has been getting used to growing pains from a fairly young Ateneo squad that has been rebuilding all season long. After a half of a season’s worth of experience, Baldwin said that his players are slowly but surely learning.

“But there was enough good basketball out there and not enough bad basketball for us to get over the finish line. So I'm really proud of the team. I'm really proud of their attitude,” said Baldwin.

The UAAP champion coach underscored the importance of the win, as it also came even without veteran player Josh Lazaro playing. With two rookies in Jared Bahay and Kristian Porter conniving in the endgame, Baldwin was delighted to see his first-year players grow.

“You know, a big thing today, nobody will be talking about it, of course, but we didn't have Josh Lazaro, we didn't have Kyle Ong today. And so, you know, those 11 or so guys that went out there today, they picked up the slack. And they just did a hell of a job,” Baldwin said.

Porter and Bahay were the leading scorers for Ateneo with 14 and 12 markers, respectively.

Even as the Blue Eagles remain largely behind against rivals UP and La Salle with their 2-6 slate, Baldwin was happy enough about being able to get over the hump — at least for now.

“I just am really proud of them,” said Baldwin.

The Ateneo Blue Eagles are headed for another tough challenge when they face the UST Growling Tigers in the latter’s home court at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday, October 19.