Dominant Ateneo spoils La Salle’s season 82 debut

The Blue Eagles defeated the Green Archers on Sunday, September 8, 2019 at the Araneta Coliseum in DLSU's opener for season 82. Photo: UAAP

The Ateneo Blue Eagles spoiled the DLSU Green Archers' opening game this season after asserting dominance on the floor, 81-69, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.

La Salle almost stole the game, getting as close as eight, 75-67 after an Andrei Caracut three with less than three minutes left. However, Ateneo started a late run led by Gian Mamuyac, eventually giving the victory to the Katipunan-based squad.

The Taft-based squad outscored Ateneo in the third period, 21-15, but a dismal performance  by the Archers in the second period was enough for Ateneo to hold on to the lead to end the quarter at 66-50.

The defending champs dominated the second quarter with a run led by Matt and Mike Nieto late in the period, to end the first half at 51-29. The Nieto twins ended the first half with a combined 23 points.

La Salle gave Ateneo a hard time during the first period, with the Archers eventually ending the quarter with a two-point deficit, 23-21.

"It was tough every step of the way," Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin said. "I think that the break we had at the end of the second quarter was a surprise to us and it was a surprise for them, and in the end it was the cushion I think that we depended on in the second half, " he added.

Baldwin said they dedicate their win to the Virgin Mary, as the Catholic church celebrates her Feast of the Nativity on the day. "If we ever need any inspiration, being in the Ateneo and being a school dedicated to the Virgin Mary and this is obviously her day, we dedicated the game to her," said the multi-titled tactician.

Mike Nieto led the Eagles in scoring with 18 points while his brother Matt made 15. Mamuyac, who led the Ateneo to a late run to win the game, made 14 points and four rebounds.

For Mamuyac, it was a just a good day for him as his shots were sinking. "Siguro tinake ko lang yung shots na binibigay ng offense namin. Medyo open shots naman lahat ng tinake ko, so buti na lang shumu-shoot. Maganda lang siguro gising," he said.

Mamuyac added that it was the system that made it work for Ateneo. "'Yun lang talaga yung system namin kasi 'yung system namin is wala naman talagang star player sa team namin. Tinuturo lang naman sa amin ni coach Tab na we should take the shots that our system gives us," he added.

DLSU had a tough break during Ateneo's second quarter storm, but three of their players scored in double digits in the game. One-and-done player Jamie Malonzo made a double-double performance 18 points and 10 rebounds. Captain Andrei Caracut listed 14 points while big man Justine Baltazar chipped in 10.

La Salle head coach Gian Nazario shared his thoughts about his team's performance. "Nawala 'yung disiplina namin sa depensa sa second quarter," the head coach said. "Against a team like Ateneo, 14 out of 14 free throws, 'yun na 'yun eh," he added.

DLSU active consultant Jermaine Byrd echoed Nazario's sentiments. "I think the second quarter hurt us. I think we got away from what we were doing defensively. We fouled and put them at the free throw line too much," he said.

Despite this, the American coach said his first Ateneo-La Salle game is an amazing experience. "It was an amazing game. Amazing atmosphere. Can't wait to do it again," said Byrd.

Ateneo will play fellow 2-0 cardholder UST on Wednesday, while La Salle will try to bounce back against NU on the same day.

Box scores:

Ateneo (81) - Mi. Nieto 18, Ma. Nieto 15, Mamuyac 14, Navarro 8, Andrade 6, Kouame 6, Ravena 6, Tio 4, Belangel 2, Go 2, Daves 0, Maagdenberg 0.

La Salle (69) - Malonzo 18, Caracut 14, Baltazar 10, Serrano 8, Melecio 7, Lojera 6, Manuel 6, Bartlett 0, Bates 0, Cagulangan 0, Cu 0, Hill 0, Meeker 0, Pado 0.

Quarterscores: 23-21, 51-29, 66-50, 81-69. — Justin Kenneth Carandang/BM, GMA News