ADMU vs UST (Round 1)

When I arrived Araneta Coliseum about 2 hours before game time, I realized that we were using the same locker room as the one we used in the previous loss against FEU. I settled in a different cubicle so that maybe i won't suffer the same unlucky fate as with FEU. Sometimes we players can get superstitious. After our regular mass presided by Fr. Nemy in the locker room, players were walking out to peek at the NU vs FEU game that was on-going. I constantly reminded them to forget about that game and just focus in on our battle vs UST because i figured that FEU would win anyway. So when we were doing our final stretching in a narrow corridor, I was informed that NU was up by 1 with less than a minute to go. I thought he was playing a joke. Then i heard a roar that was pretty much unexpected in a NU vs FEU duel. I figured it must have been an NU 3-point shot and both UST and ADMU fans were extremely delighted as FEU slipped to 5-2. It was a great relief for us! Now we had a chance to take solo lead after round 1. And we did!

I vowed to the coaches that I will be more aggressive in this game not just in terms of scoring but in creating for my teammates as well. And i won't settle too much on outside shots unless it's really there. At least it paid off, i ended up with 9 rebounds and 7 assists. But it was really the team game that gave us the victory. One disappointing observation is our inability to close out teams when leading by as much as 10 during the early part of the 4th quarter. Same thing happened against FEU. But at least against UST, we were able to regain back the lead after a threatening run which gave them a 3 point advantage midway through the 4th. In the end, it was really our defense which kept us in the lead - extra credit should be given to Nonoy Baclao for his amazing blocks!


Although only scoring two points, he finished with 11 rebounds and 4 blocks (1 each on Allera, Mirza as well as the crucial ones on Ababou and Jervy). He practically stopped the entire UST! Nonoy ended up being best player, and i totally agree with that! Points do not always have to be the basis for being best player. He is truly an example of a 'team player' , knowing his role and getting the job done! Of course, I want to thank the Lord for the victory. But what i truly pray for is that everyone is kept free from any serious injury and that the officiating will be fair in every game! May the best team win.

Chris

P.S. I have to admit that we might have benefited a little more than UST in some 50-50 calls that could have gone either way. And thank you Tito Philip Sison for the photos.