ADMU vs DLSU (Round 2)

Sometimes I still wonder why people do all sorts of wild things just to get hold of that DLSU-ADMU ticket. I heard that Ateneo supporters were already lining up along the Blue Eagle gym as early as 2am to get hold of the limited upper A and B tickets being sold there. When I asked what time they start to sell the tickets, i was told... 6pm! Wow!! Last year, I remember seeing people setting up tents to spend the night there just to be the first ones in line. I also heard that scalpers were already selling tickets as early as Monday at a price range of 5,000 to 10,000 for patron seats. Deep inside I was thinking, no wonder we players can't get any tickets! I didn't get my 4 ticket allocation (2 patron and 2 upper A which i had to pay for) not until 6pm of Friday, the night before the game. When I requested for more, I was told that they had 5 upper B tickets for me. Fine, I'll take those. It's a common misconception that if you're part of the team, you have more access to tickets. In fact, our coaches only get 2 Upper A tickets. I already have a generic reply to all of those people who all of a sudden text me for tickets when an ADMU-DLSU is fast approaching... "best effort!" I even ALMOST resorted to buying scalper tickets at the last minute because I was already desperate. Somebody is just such a lifesaver! Let's just call her my secret weapon :)

Now, about the game, I had to admit that I did feel nervous before the game. I don't know why. It's no bearing for us. It's my 14th Ateneo La Salle game in my UAAP career, the 7th since last year (I just found out after watching the replay). I guess it's just the fact that it's an Ateneo La Salle game and that there are approximately 23,000 people watching in Araneta and much more in their TV screens here in the Philippines and all over the world. There's just so much hype! Almost everyone I know stops to watch (since my friends are mostly from either of the two schools). It gave me goosebumps when the Ateneo crowd was cheering upon stepping out on the court. But after I was able to warm up, i felt settled and ready to go!


I won't go to the details of the game. But overall, it wasn't our offense that won us the game, but our defense! We held them below 60 points. Many would argue that it's because JV Casio was so out of sync. But he wouldn't be struggling that much if it wasn't for the defense that Jai and Yuri put up on him plus the help defense provided by the big men underneath. Basically, I felt that JV had to carry the weight of the world upon his shoulders and that he tried to take it upon himself today. Unfortunately, he got very little help from his teammates except for Rico. I say the 'weight of the world' because not only does he have to lift his team past the 16 players of Ateneo but also the rest of the de La Salle community. It is difficult to lose and play horribly when much is expected of you, especially if you're playing for ADMU or DLSU - two communities that can comprehend the game of basketball well, plus both are very passionate but can be critical as well. But I believe that everyone is entitled to having an "off night" and i'm sure he will bounce back! So beware FEU. I don't want to say more because there's still a possibility that we might play each other in the Finals. Let's just save the analysis until after the championship :) If not, then this will be my last Ateneo La Salle game :(

For now, it's still a long journey for us! I'm so thankful for the victory and I believe that this is the best way to show our appreciation to all the Blue supporters who were present today, most especially those who had to queue for hours and those who had to cash out a huge amount on tickets. No such thing as a 'no bearing game' against La Salle. I just ask ask and pray that we continue to improve, stay injury-free and keep our focus coming down the stretch, especially since 'hell weeks' and exam weeks are coming up right smack during the Final 4 and championship series, IF we make it! That's actually the disadvantage of having a two-semester system. But like they say, adversity makes champions! One big fight!Oh and if you have the chance, please go and support our Blue Babble in the UAAP Cheerleading Competition today at Araneta Coliseum starting 2pm! Audience impact weighs a lot in the criteria for judging.

Chris

P.S. I'd like to apologize for not being able to entertain the fans outside the South Gate after the game as I was prevented by Araneta Security to do so, as a result, I had to take an alternate way out. Next time! :)