IMPRESSIVE is an understatement when describing the performance of University of Santo Tomas forward Soulemane Chabi Yo in his first duel against Ateneo on Wednesday.
Although his Growling Tigers fell to the Blue Eagles, 71-70, the Beninese high-flyer left a major mark with his masterful statline of 25 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks against Ange Kouame and the Blue Eagles' deep frontline.
Despite the defeat, the 6-foot-6 beanpole said he was satisfied with the fight the young UST squad showed against the reigning two-time champion Ateneo.
"It was a nice game. We tried to do our best. We have nine rookies and we know the pressure facing the defending champions but we fought," he said.
"Ateneo is a very good team and they're more experienced than us. We had many mistakes because we are rookies, but we will try to learn from our mistakes and come back stronger."

For Chabi Yo, the game was an eye-opener of sorts as the Growling Tigers aim to join the Blue Eagles among the league's elite teams.
"Every possession is important. Everything you are doing has a purpose. You have to follow the system and the coach," he said. "If you don't follow the system, you have mistakes. But it is part of us as human beings and you just have to learn from it and fix it."
Chabi Yo can't wait to get another crack at Ateneo come the second round, saying the road to the title definitely goes through the Blue Eagles.
"I'm very excited," he said. "We have to win against them if we want to be champions."
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