Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 10) — Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin is aware of how dangerous the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers can be especially when they are knocking down their shots.
Baldwin said he is cautious with the high-octane offense of the Espana-based squad .
“If they’re hitting shots, good luck. I don’t think you’ll beat them if they’re hitting shots. I think you gotta play unbelievable defense against their pace,” the American-New Zealander mentor said.
The Blue Eagles will be pulling out all the stops against UST, a testament to coach Aldin Ayo’s improvement as a motivator and tactician.
“Certainly we have to make some systemic adjustments before we play them and they may be the only team I’ve seen so far that I think that maybe the case,” Baldwin said.
With the stake of holding an undefeated record on the line, the Blue Eagles and Growling Tigers will certainly bring their best performances yet.
“Obviously I’m expecting a really tough game and I know he probably is too. I’m sure he is,” Baldwin admitted.
Game time is at 10:30 a.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. It will be followed by the match between De La Salle University and National University, then the Adamson University-University of the East game.
The Growling Tigers have been pushing the tempo more this season, averaging 90 points in their first two outings.
