ATENEO learned its lesson the hard way against Far Eastern University in the first round.
With head coach Louie Alas back on the sidelines on Saturday, though, the Blue Eagles made sure the rematch had a happy ending for them.
From absorbing a 23-point beating in their first meeting to building an 18-point lead in the rematch, the blue-and-white flipped the script against the Tamaraws before holding on for a 75-72 win.
READ: Alas, Ateneo hang on vs hard-charging FEU inside Blue Eagle Gym
For team captain Jared Bahay, having Alas - who had to serve a one-game suspension in their first clash - back meant having their leader right there with them.
“Siyempre, coach Louie is our main leader. Without him, nahihirapan kami,” he admitted to SPIN.ph.
“I guess it’s really our fault last game na hindi namin na-translate yung gusto ni coach Louie. Ngayong andiyan siya, mas nasunod namin.”
Alas has built his coaching identity around defense, but Bahay pointed to something beyond the Xs and Os that Ateneo needed to regain amid its struggles.
“I think, sabi nga ni coach Louie, it’s the will to win lang. Yun lang yung kulang namin,” he said.
From L to Louie
Indeed, from opening tip this time around, the Blue Eagles put on full display their willingness to do whatever it takes to win.
And through FEU's late charge, it was still there - all because their mentor was also there to keep reminding them about it.
“Again, in-emphasize ni coach Louie yung maturity. Siyempre, as a leader, ako yung parang nag-set ng example,” Bahay said after turning in 15 points.
More than getting back at the Tams, though, Ateneo knew what was at stake as the second round rolled on. With their playoff hopes on the line, they had little room for another costly setback.
“Gusto namin bumawi. ’Yan lang talaga yung mindset namin,” the Cebuano guard said. “At siyempre, gusto talaga namin na pumasok sa Final Four kaya kailangan namin manalo.”
After a first-round loss that let them and everybody else know what their head coach means to them, the Blue Eagles resoundingly responded with Alas back at the helm.
And now, Ateneo has a win to show for all its lessons learned.
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