First Blood!!!

Ateneo draws first blood in the UAAP Men's Basketball Finals but not without a gallant effort from the Red Army. It was a game of runs and true enough Ateneo had the final push leading to the 78-71 victory.

The absence of Eric Salamat was not magnified because of the stellar play of Rabeh Al-Hussani and (yes..) Jai Reyes. Rabeh was very effective with his offense from the high post and that spelled trouble for the UE defenders. Jai Reyes and his usual pick and roll, one dribble three point shot connected 4 times in the 4th that really made it difficult for UE to catch up. Nico Salva showed why he is the 6th man of the year by providing quality minutes off the bench. Kirk Long did a decent job on Paul Lee in the 1st quarter but nobody can stop Paul Lee for the whole game. Ryan Buenafe made the steal and then dishing it to Rabeh for the running hook from Paul Lee and that was the turning point of the ballgame.

Raffy Reyes definitely wanted to upset the defending champion and he played his best game of the season thus far. Rebounds, slashing, passing he did it all today but unfortunately Ateneo just had better composure at the end of the game. Paul Lee and Val Acuna played an average game but they have to up their level of play if UE has a chance for an upset. Elmer Espiritu was a jumping jack for the entire game by swatting shots and rebounding as well. Pari Llagas was a very effective offensively by just sitting in the paint and waiting for the pass from his slashers or putting it back for 2nd chance points; however, he needs to learn how to defend Rabeh better especially at the high post where Rabeh consistently made his 18ft jumpers.

Game 2
KEYS TO WINNING FOR ATENEO:
C - Challenge Paul Lee
Challenge Paul Lee through out the ball game. Norman Black should throw different defenders at him. Kirk Long, Ryan Buenafe, and Sumalinog should take turns defending him in the perimeter and when he blows by them (which he would eventually..) he should be met by Baclao, Salva and Rabeh to challenge his shots but also be wary of his dishes to Mr. Tambay (Llagas) down low.

B - Baclao should not be afraid of Elmer Espiritu
It seems that through out the game Baclao was somehow intimidated by Espiritu. This shouldn't happen in game 2 because only Baclao can match Espiritu's leaping (or should i say flying) ability. Elmer change a lot of Baclao's shot. Baclao should challenge Espiritu and try to get him out of the game with fouls.

C - Continuous 3pt shots
In game 2, the shotgun of Jai Reyes must be fully loaded. Eman Monfort, Eric Salamt and Kirk Long should load up their guns as well. They were a little lucky this game because Acuna, Lee and Lingganay also struggled from the three point area but don't expect that to happen again especially with their backs against the wall come sunday afternoon.

C - Championship Character
Ateneo is the defending champion and they showed us why in game 1. They should continue to show that they are the top dog in the UAAP by their steady play, composure under pressure and ability to make shots when it matters the most. They certainly showed us today why they have won 12 straight games and they are one win away from a back-to-back championship.

KEYS TO WINNING FOR University of the East:
C - Change the Rotation
Paul Zamar should NOT be playing. He isn't doing anything productive. No offense, no defense. I do not agree with the starting 5 of coach Lawrence (zamar, reyes, espiritu, val and llagas). I would start the usual lingganay, lee, val, espiritu and arcibar (he will defend rabeh). llagas would be my 6th man and raffy reyes so they would match the intensity of long and salva off the bench for ateneo. Dig deep in your lineup. Put in a young player that will play his heart out and not Paul Zamar who looks like he was still sleepy during the game.

B - Bother Rabeh and Jai
Rabeh has too many open looks from 18ft out. and Jai Reyes had to many open shots off the pick and roll. UE has to defend this a lot lot better in game 2 or the series wil be over on Sunday. Let the guards bother Rabeh when he gets it near the free throw line. Switch on the pick and roll and let Jai Reyes shoot over Llagas or Espiritu. Jai Reyes is contagious and once he gets his shot going everyone in Ateneo makes shots as well.

C - Cut down on Hail Mary threes
Ok Paul Lee, you are on a hot streak right now and nobody in the league can stop you but you should stop jacking up threes 5ft beyond the three point line. It wastes one possesion for you team and it also alters your shooting touch because the next shot you shoot will definitely be strong. You won't be always as hot as the FEU final four game. Paul Lee has to pick his time when to light up the score board but he should realize that slashing to the hoop and handing it out to Mr. Tambay is a lot better that shooting from 25 ft out. But when you are hot, just keep shooting. (hahaha..)

C - Challenge the Character of Ateneo
They did it in the first game and they should do it again in game 2. They should keep the pressure for the whole game. UE has the tendency to be on a slump for 5 mins then they will turn it on for the next 5 mins. These inconsistencies will not win you ballgames against the defending champions. They should bring it from the first second upto final seconds of the game. Just like what UP did in the frist round.

Prediction: UE by 4