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UAAP: Ateneo beginning to find its groove, says Matt Nieto

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Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines—After a shock loss in its season opener, defending UAAP champion Ateneo de Manila University has strung together three straight wins and is looking increasingly formidable.For starting point guard Matt Nieto, it is a sign that the Blue Eagles have begun to find their rhythm in the Season 81 men’s basketball tournament, after a brief period of adjustment that cost them against Adamson University in their first game.The Blue Eagles had bowed to the Soaring Falcons, 74-70, in their Season 81 debut before winning three straight games, the most recent of which was an 89-62 demolition of University of the East last Wednesday.“Nakukuha na namin ‘yung groove ng UAAP,” said Nieto, who accounted for 6 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals in just 15 minutes of action against the woeful Red Warriors. “Kasi, iba ‘yung playing style sa Jones Cup at ‘yung preseason dito sa UAAP,” added the point guard, referring to their much-publicized build-up to the season which saw them represent the Philippines in the tournament in Taiwan.“So, nabigla talaga kami noong Adamson na ‘yun,” he admitted.Since that game, however, Ateneo’s young players — such as big man Angelo Kouame — have figured out how to play in the UAAP. Kouame had 8 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 blocks against UE, notching another solid game after his subpar debut against Adamson wherein he scored only one point and missed all four shots that he took.“Nakukuha na nila ‘yung feel ng game ngayon sa UAAP,” said Nieto of their rookies.Following their win over UE, the Blue Eagles improved their record to 3-1, putting them in solo second place behind the Soaring Falcons (4-0). After four games, they have established themselves as the stingiest team in the league, allowing only 82.38 points per 100 possessions.Even with the loss to Adamson, they still have the best point differential in the UAAP, at 14.2 points.Still, Nieto says there is still much that they need to work on - especially as they have a target on their backs as defending champions.“Marami pa ring improvement, kahit ‘yung mga veterans, hindi lang ‘yung rookies,” he said. “Marami kaming gagawin pa, kasi nakita namin ‘yung mga kalaban laging kami ‘yung championship game nila.”“So kailangan talaga, andoon lagi ‘yung effort namin, pati ‘yung execution namin, andoon parati.”Ateneo returns to action on Saturday, against University of Santo Tomas. For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.

After a shock loss in its season opener, the champions have strung together three straight wins and are looking increasingly formidable.

After a shock loss in its season opener, the champions have strung together three straight wins and are looking increasingly formidable.

UAAP: Ateneo beginning to find its groove, says Matt Nieto

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UAAP: Ateneo beginning to find its groove, says Matt Nieto

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

Published Sep 28, 2018 06:03 AM PHT

Read More:

UAAP Season 81

UAAP men's basketball

Ateneo Blue Eagles

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