UST's Ayo admits they played badly in Game 1 loss to Ateneo

University of Santo Tomas head coach Aldin Ayo admitted they played badly in their first game in the UAAP Season 82 Finals against Ateneo de Manila University, and the loss was the coaching staff's fault.

"We were not executing. Some players did not play their usual game. But I think, the problem is coaching staff," Ayo told reporters after their loss against the defending champs.

"Tingin ko we were not able to prepare them well. There were situations na hindi namin nadaanan sa practice so, on our part, we just want to be patient," he added.

UST coach Aldin Ayo: We played bad. We’ll review and prepare for the next three days. @gmanews_sports @gmanews pic.twitter.com/RvN2Ei2ImX

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) November 16, 2019

The inexperience of UST's young players could also have been a factor in their loss, Ayo added.

"Finals is a different atmosphere. But as I told you, we have to be patient. Whatever it is, you can't blame the players. Trabaho ng coaching staff to simulate things," Ayo said, defending his players.

"'Yung mga players, they did everything that they could. Hindi lang talaga lumabas yung laro. Sa ganitong situation, coaching 'yung may pananagot diyan."

Ayo will try to steer a Game 2 win and extend their season against Ateneo on Wednesday. — DVM, GMA News