Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin said that the Blue Eagles did not have the 'fight' in them when they fell to the National University Bulldogs in the opening game of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 men's basketball tournament last Saturday, September 30.
That is why Baldwin said it is rewarding for the defending champs to have regained that fight against their rivals, the De La Salle Green Archers, whom they defeated, 77-72, at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, October 4.'I think a lot of people got really excited about this but it's the second game of the season and it's a great rivalry game between two proud universities. Obviously, we're delighted we won that.
' If there's someone from the Blue Eagles who epitomized the 'fight' Baldwin was talking about, it has to be Kai Balungay. The 6-foot-7 Balungay dropped 18 points and pulled down 16 rebounds, 12 of which came from the offensive as Ateneo came from behind to go 1-1 this season. After the game, Baldwin made sure he recognized Balungay. 'I don't often do it but a big shoutout to this guy sitting on my right , 12 offensive rebounds out of 27,' he said.
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