ATENEO'S 11-game winning streak in UAAP Season 82 is largely attributed to master tactician Tab Baldwin, two-time Finals MVP Thirdy Ravena, and MVP contender Ange Kouame, but make no mistake about it, the Blue Eagles are so much more than a three-man show.
Every time the boys from Katipunan find themselves in a bind, a couple of their less-heralded players always get them over the hump.
Against the fourth-seeded FEU Tamaraws on Wednesday, it was Gian Mamuyac's efficient defense (three points, five rebounds, one assist, plus-15) and a career game from freshman Patrick Maagdenberg that helped ADMU recover from an 11-point deficit and pull off a 65-55 win.
The 6'5" Filipino-Kiwi kept the Blue Eagles at bay with seven markers in a first half when they were outscored by FEU, 40-29.
Pat, who finished with nine points, four boards, and a perfect 4-of-4 from the field, described the first 24 minutes of the match as a "wake-up call" that Ateneo needed and a "great learning opportunity to not to take things lightly in this league, especially with everyone playing their best against us."
He admitted that they let their guard down against the Tamaraws, but also held one another accountable for their mistakes. After hearing Coach Tab's half-time pep talk, the Blue Eagles picked up the pace and exploded for 36, while limiting their opponents to 15 in the third and fourth stanzas to seal the deal.
Despite tallying his personal high score, the rookie center downplayed his contributions, saying, "It feels good to finally go out there and do my part for them.
"For me, this game is a big confidence booster. I showed how I can score the ball. But at the end of the day, I'm not here to put up all the numbers. I'm just doing my job, and if I'm in the right place and at the right time for the ball, I'm just gonna shoot it."