Ateneo's Ian Espinosa during a match against UST in UAAP Season 87.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet
MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo guards Sean Quitevis and Ian Espinosa were instrumental in the University of Santo Tomas' home opener as they put the finishing touches on the Blue Eagles' victory at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday.
Maintaining a precarious two-point lead with 16 seconds left, Quitevis made an essential steal, reading Forthsky Padrigao's pass to Nic Cabañero and scoring a layup before Espinosa's split free throws sealed Ateneo's 67-64 victory for the team's first winning streak in the UAAP Season 87 Men's Basketball Tournament.
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“Honestly, [my crucial play] It wasn't anything special. It's just that we're trying to do our job and we're trying to stay disciplined, do our job and everything worked out in our favor,” said Quitevis, who scored his two points with 11 seconds left, but it turned out to be the biggest point of the game. field goal
READ: UAAP: Ateneo continues its streak with victory at UST's home
Sean Quitevis and Ian Espinosa after passing the UST. kmc">#UAAPSeason87 TA0">@INQUIRERSports xVa">pic.twitter.com/8SNdHJgwx5
– Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) Mxq">October 19, 2024
Quitevis, who also had three steals, three rebounds and two assists, treated his road game like any other game.
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“Whether it's a home court or a visiting court, a basketball court is a basketball court. The rim is 10 feet, the free throw line is 15 feet, the court is 94 feet… It's what we play every day, so we're excited to be here,” Quitevis said.
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“I'm not too worried about my performance. I care about how our team performs. Obviously there are things to improve. We were excited to go out and play against UST on their home court. Not many players get this opportunity to play on someone else's court, so Coach Tab [Baldwin] “We just wanted to make sure our team energy was up to par with UST and we wanted to fight against them,” he added.
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Ateneo's Sean Quitevis and Ian Espinosa during a victory over UST in UAAP Season 87.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet
Espinosa, who had 11 points, six rebounds and two assists, agreed with Quitevis as the Blue Eagles remained steadfast in their goal despite the enormous support the Tigers received from the UST faithful.
“Nag-focus lang kami sa mako-control namin, hindi yung sa di namin mako-control. Stick Lang kami sa gameplan ni trainer Tab. Kahit na mag-run yung UST alam namin maganda yung crowd nila so kailangan naming mag-stay collectively,” Espinosa said.
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READ: UAAP: Forthsky Padrigao regrets UST's home defeat to Ateneo
Ateneo bolstered its Ultimate 4 hopes with a 3-6 record, moving up to sixth place behind UST and Adamson. Espinosa emphasized that his rookie-laden team should now make the necessary adjustments after a lackluster first round.
“Advancing to the second round, wala nang rookies, rookies. So alam na namin yung experience the game. Getting into the second round is something that is made up of knowing that the first round arises in crucial situations,” Espinosa said. “It's a good victory but there is a lot to improve, especially in our free throws, we missed 10. In defensive rebounding, they surpassed us. Moving forward, ready to prepare for Adamson.”
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Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin praised Quitevis and Espinosa for playing their hearts out and showing grit in their visit to the UST den.
“They are true warriors. They are guys who play every possession with their heart. Sometimes I wish they didn't. “Sometimes I wish they would use their heads a little more,” Baldwin said. “But we can never question his heart. I prefer to say that about a player of mine than to say that he is a very intellectual player. Sometimes it is easier to coach the smartest player, but the toughest is always a blessing.”
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