Ateneo Blue Eagles: A good start and an even better finishing kick

MANILA, Philippines – Championships certainly aren’t won on opening day. But it is always nice to start on the right foot.

You can bet it was imperative that there was to be no ambush on opening day (especially after Adamson took Ateneo down in the very first game of Season 81). You know that Ateneo has the better team, but still, you cannot rely on reputation or even assumptions. You have to go out and win it.

And the Blue Eagles sure did, crushing the Soaring Falcons with a late 13-0 flurry to take their first win of the season, 70-52.

Ateneo put the clamps on Adamson’s veterans, who did not make an impact on the game —Jerrick Ahanmisi, Simon Camacho and Jerom Lastimosa. New center Lenda Douanga looked lost and befuddled (I will chalk that up to opening-game jitters because he has played well for the past two years. But on this day, they probably wished they had Papi Sarr in uniform instead). With the veterans not doing well, it was up to the newbies to try and man the fort for them. The moments were few and far in between.

Lucky for the Falcons, their one-and-done player Velandre Chuaca (who is older than most of the players he went up against) caught fire in the third period wherein he hit all sorts of crazy shots, including one from way out there. While it gave Adamson a chance, one man cannot do it alone. When he was finally shackled, that was it for Adamson.

It is hard to say much after only one game because there are so many factors that can affect the game. After three games, it is safer to spot trends or to even make inferences.

I’ll say this though about Ateneo.

There was the “gigil” factor for many players. At times they looked a bit undisciplined — rushing shots, making poor decisions. Sometimes, they got lost in their switching (not all of it due to Adamson’s offensive schemes). 

On the other hand, they played great defense. They didn’t allow the Falcons’ veterans to provide some stability. Even last year’s early tormentor Vince Magbuhos (who since his first four games last season has regressed) was a non-factor. You can bet Ateneo will try to not allow Chuaca to run roughshod like he did this game when they meet next time.

Ateneo ruled the boards (54-42, challenged many a shot, and closed down that lane by registering an 8-3 advantage in blocks). Control of the boards gave them a slight advantage in fastbreak points, 8-5, and in second chance points, 13-11.

Angelo Kouame was huge for Ateneo as he tallied 17 points, 11 rebounds, six blocks and three steals. His defense along with the offense supplied by Will Navarro and Thirdy Ravena got Ateneo off to a fast start.

The bench didn’t get the job done the first time around. In their next opportunity, they helped the team attain its biggest lead of the game at 22 or 23 points. Then came Chauca’s explosion.

Gian Mamuyac showed that he can really make an impact with his game like Ravena, albeit minus the thundering dunks. He played great defense and displayed his willingness to attack and create for teammates. He did well when Ateneo closed out Adamson with a 13-0 run to finish off Adamson.

I am just wondering why Kouame needs to run out to Douanga on the 3-point arc when the latter isn’t a threat from that distance. Kouame then has to quickly rotate back inside to protect that rim. No doubt, the other teams are seeing that and they will need to move that ball quickly to get inside and find others from drop passes and kick outs.

There were nervy moments but otherwise, there was a huge response and an even bigger win (considering UST and UP won their opening matches).

As for Adamson, I think they will really need their veterans to play well. There are few of them and technically, this is only Lastimosa’s second year. Now you see what Sean Manganti brought to the table with his all-around play from the forward position. Maybe Aaron Flowers will grow into that role. However, any chance for a win will also depend on Douanga playing well.