Ateneo de Manila University head coach Louie Alas admitted his team needs to make immediate adjustments after the Blue Eagles suffered a 94-75 defeat to the University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday.
After opening the season with a 101-74 victory over the University of the East, Ateneo struggled to sustain its defensive intensity against UP, which rallied from a seven-point deficit before pulling away in the second half.
Alas said the Blue Eagles must quickly address the lapses that surfaced against the Fighting Maroons, particularly as they prepare for their next assignment.
“I’m hoping that we will not have to face that again,” Alas said.
He acknowledged that preparation played a major role in the loss and said the coaching staff would immediately begin working on the team’s shortcomings.
“We need to arrest that as soon as possible,” he said.
The coach also discussed the challenge of handling a young Ateneo squad that is still adjusting to his system and the demands of UAAP basketball.
He noted that the Blue Eagles cannot rely solely on their offense to recover from difficult stretches and must instead develop a stronger defensive mindset.
“Let’s change the mentality na we will come back through offense. It’s not the same. Siguro hindi pa lang kami used to it,” Alas said.
Alas added that the team’s impressive defensive showing in its opening game may have raised expectations too quickly.
“Actually, yung first game. I was expecting a close game. So, nangyari-nangyari. Yan yung best defensive game namin. So, tumaas yung expectations sa atin,” he said.
The result against UP served as a reminder that Ateneo must maintain the same level of discipline regardless of the opponent or previous result.
The coach believes the young Blue Eagles will need time to mature and adjust to the demands of the college game.
“We just hope na madali silang mag-mature,” he said.
With the Blue Eagles falling to 1-1, the coach said the team must respond through its preparation, defense and collective effort ahead of their next game against Adamson University Falcons. (Adrian Co)
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