Ateneo's Baldwin calls Game 1 win ‘just the first half’

Ateneo de Manila University head coach Tab Baldwin considered their big win as just half of a whole basketball game they need to win.

"It's good to get the win, but we tend not to see that as a win. We see that as a first half of basketball," Baldwin said, saying they still need to prepare for that "second half" on Wednesday.

"We just get a long halftime break while we get to prepare for the second half which is in your eyes, Game 2," he added.

Baldwin admitted it was tough playing against UST, considering Aldin Ayo's players showed determination in every game. 

"The one thing we’ve been talking about since we knew UST was our opponent was that teams that Aldin coaches they don’t ever quit, they don’t ever back down," added the two-time UAAP champion coach.

"While the next game is the second half for us, it’s Game 2 for them. They know they have to go out and win that game," Baldwin said.

Despite the dominant win, Baldwin said they needed to improve their defense as they had lapses during the second half of the game.

"Our defensive energy was good but our defensive execution wasn't great. We have some things we have to look at," he said.

Sophomore SJ Belangel echoed Baldwin's thoughts on defense.

"There are still some lapses that happened especially on the offensive rebounds. Might as well learn from this game and move on to Game Two," Belangel said.

Baldwin and the rest of the Ateneo squad will try to bag the crown on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena. — DVM, GMA News