BY MILES ARCENAL
FOR the past two games, Ato Barba finally looked like the main man Lyceum has been waiting for.
Averaging just four points in his first two games, Barba has finally found his touch for the Pirates – with averages of 25 points and seven rebounds a night in his last two games,
The problem, however, persists for Lyceum as even after their captain finally caught fire, the Pirates’ ship continued to sink.
READ: Arellano rides on big second half to keep Lyceum winless in S101
Against Arellano, the 25-year-old guard led the Pirates with 18 points, three assists, and eight rebounds, but once again, turnovers proved to be their undoing in the second half as he tallied four alone in the 92-65 blowout loss to the Chiefs.
“Nagulat din kami, first half maganda ‘yung defense and execution namin then ni-remind naman kami ni coach na ang number one na pumapatay sa’min is yung turnover namin,” Barba admitted.
“Pagpasok namin ng second half, pinatay na naman kami ng turnover, sobrang malungkot ‘yung gano’ng pangyayari kasi parang pakiramdam namin makukuha na namin ‘yung panalo today.”
The performance, though in a loss, showed a more assertive and composed Barba - a contrast to his first two games where he admitted nerves and pressure got the best of him.
“No’ng first game kinabahan ako, na-overwhelm ako sa tao,” he said, referring to their double-overtime loss vs Mapua.
“Sa second game naman against Perpetual, off talaga ako, pero narealize ko na last year ko na and ako ‘yung captain ball. So kailangan kong i-lead ‘yung team hindi lang sa offense, sa defense, sa lahat ng aspect.”
Ato stays defiant
There’s another layer to Barba’s hunger, his redemption.
After going undrafted in the recent PBA Draft, the Lyceum star is taking this NCAA run as his proving ground.
“Siyempre ‘yung commitment ko ngayon nasa school,” he said. “Kung ano mang nangyari doon sa PBA Draft, ang second opportunity ko is itong LPU at NCAA. Focus lang muna ako dito, ipapakita ko kung ano kaya kong gawin.”
For Barba, every game has become a statement of worth. But as his flame burns brighter, Lyceum’s still searching for the spark that will finally turn their season around.
“Kaya naman talaga ng lineup namin pero ang pumapatay sa’min is ‘yung sarili namin,” Barba said.
“Positive naman ako, paangat kami kasi wala na kaming ibang pupuntahan, nasa ibaba na kami.”
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