Ateneo averted a monumental collapse in the dying minutes to claim a 76-70 opening win versus archrival La Salle that gave the Loyola-based squad the momentum in the UAAP best of three championship series Saturday.
Both teams are equally balanced. Each has strengths and weaknesses that the respective bench strategist must continue to exploit.
For the Eagles, it is easier for them to diagnose the Archers’ offensive plan because it is already a give-away. Why?
It is because of Ben Mbala, the herculean, two-time league MVP who has been so dominating in the middle that his presence intimidates the opposition.
The Archers have been exploiting this titanic edge, making Mbala the first offensive priority in much the same manner that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was during the Lakers’ heydays in the NBA.
You can’t defend straight up against Mbala on a one-on-one. He’s gonna eat you up or you foul him.
In focusing plays on his tall masculine center, coach Aldin Ayo might have overlooked that his squad has other talented players on which to switch his offensive designs and confuse his opponent.
Thus, a double team crowds Mbala everytime he gets the spheroid at low post and is forced to kick the ball. Meantime, the 24-second clock has ticked away precious seconds and the receiver is forced to take a challenged outside shot.
The predictable Archers lean on Melecio, Montalbo and the Rivero brothers for outside sniping. Outside of these four, the rest are role players whose contribution to bench scoring is not expected as with their Ateneo counterparts.
Coach Tab Baldwin has made his tactical defense simple.
Put Ikeh on Mbala and a chaser when the latter gets the pass and attempts to find a shot. Ikeh fouled out in the last three minutes but Ateneo was still up.
Here’s Ateneo’s bench contributors: Mike Nieto, 11; Asistio, 10; Black, 7; Verano, 5; Tio, 2 for 35 points.
For La Salle: Tratter,7; Rivero, P, 7; Baltazar, 4; Curacut, Go, Tero, Paraiso, 0 for only 18 markers. Mbala put in a very disappointing 8.
Surely Melecio poured in 24 points but his first five teammates (Mbala, 8; Rivero, R, 10; Santillan, 7; and Montalbo, 3) accounted only for 28 for a total output of 52 points. Total this with the bench 38 equals 70.
Ateneo’s starting five had 41 (Ravena, 12; Nieto, Matt, 11; Tolentino, 9; Go, 5; and Ikeh 4 for 41. Add this to the 35 and totals 76.
It is a coaching philosophy I have heard for many years. From outstanding mentors in the NBA and the PBA, they agree you can’t put a good man down.
You may not be able to limit Michael Jordan from producing 50 points but because basketball involves a five-man team, just don’t let the comrades join in the fray.
So, Baldwin succeeded in minimizing the efficiency of Mbala by denying him space near the hoop, thereby forcing him to issue outside passes. Even if his teammates were scoring, the pro-La Salle crowd waiting for the Mbala explosion did not spark a ten-decibel, ear-piercing cheer from the stands.
Ateneo played a smart all-around team effort.
Unless Ayo alters his offensive designs and adjusts his defensive plans, he will find himself trapped by his own inadequacies.
Baldwin is employing his decades of experience in international play in the FIBA amateur arena. Sometimes I would like to believe that he can second-guess what his opponent will be doing next.
I would like to see La Salle launch a surprise this Wednesday when the Archers seek to level the series in Game 2. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) Lam. 3:23. “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
