Tab Baldwin calls out 'third team' in classic Ateneo-UST duel
Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin (UAAP Media)
Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin did not hold back and criticized what he referred as a "third team" during their classic UAAP match that ended in triple overtime against University of Santo Tomas in Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the Blue Eagle Gym over the weekend.
Though Baldwin tipped his hat off to the Tigers after the visiting team notched a 98-89 win against the determined Eagles side, the veteran mentor slammed some individuals whose showing he called as "disgusting".
“The game itself was, you know, disappointing in terms of the result, but I can't be anything but proud of the effort of both teams. I thought they displayed phenomenal character…,” said Baldwin.
“There's a third team out there and I thought their performance was disgusting,” he added.
Despite the loss, Ateneo saw semblance of potential with Jared Bahay leading the charge, hitting crucial baskets that kept the Eagles alive up until they lost steam in the third extension.
With its win, UST strengthened its campaign with a 4-1 card in second place, while Ateneo absorbed its second straight loss for a 4-2 slate.
After a week-long rest, the Katipunan-based team is up for a tough final first-round task as it faces current leader National University (5-1) Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“We've got a week now to prepare for NU. So, we'll be good. We've got our energy back,” Baldwin concluded. “We'll have our minds focused on the job and put this one behind us and focus on the only thing that matters now is NU.”