By NIKOLE JAVIER
Ateneo’s recent encounters with defending champion University of the Philippines have ended thrice in overtime heartbreak.
After coming off back-to-back escape acts with the last one against University of the East, 69-66, Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin is counting on the lessons they are taking to their big game.
On Saturday, Nov. 26, the Blue Eagles are set to clash with their championship tormentors Fighting Maroons and hope that they can avert another extension of misery.
“That’s the silver lining. You get these situations that arise that you can’t recreate in practice. These are live , there’s a lot depending. we executed pretty well in critical situations,” said Baldwin.
Last week, Ateneo had to pull some strings to recover from a 19-point deficit at the hands of Far Eastern University for a 71-65 win.
With crucial turnarounds, the 64-year-old tactician is hoping these victories would “pay dividends” to their entire team going up against the reigning champion.
“But obviously, if we have serious championship aspirations, we have to play a lot better. We have to shoot the ball a lot better. Make better decisions on the offensive end. Now we move on to the big game on Saturday,” he added.