Ateneo de Manila University guard Ian Espinosa credited his teammates’ trust and the Blue Eagles’ discipline after contributing a key scoring boost in their victory over Adamson University Falcons.
Espinosa finished with 10 markers as Ateneo held off the Falcons, 73-68, on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena to improve to 2-1 in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.
With the game separated by one point and Ateneo relying heavily on its group of point guards, Espinosa said the coaching staff reminded the guards to stay composed and make the most of their opportunities.
“Before the game, coach Sandro (Mendoza) and I talked. He said, let the game come to you. He said that since coach Louie (Alas) wanted it, it’s our responsibility to defend the offense,” Espinosa said.
He also expressed appreciation for head coach Louie Alas’ confidence in the team’s guards.
“I appreciate coach Louie for trusting us. And that’s it, I’m just looking for the advantage that we have in the team. And maybe that’s it, it’s good that we scored points there,” he added.
Espinosa said he made a conscious effort to improve offensively after Ateneo’s previous game against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, where he felt he was unable to make a significant impact on offense.
“Maybe personally, after the UP game, I wasn’t really effective offensively. So I really doubled-time to prepare for the Adamson game,” Espinosa said.
Rather than forcing the issue while holding an advantage, Espinosa said Ateneo focused on ball movement and clock management in the closing stages.
“I told the team that we shouldn’t be in a hurry. We have an advantage and the lead is okay, but let’s not stop the ball. Let’s run the clock by moving the ball. And we trusted each other,” he said.
The Blue Eagles will return to action next Saturday, October 3, against National University Bulldogs at the Blue Eagles Gym. (Adrian Co)
