Baclao shares limelight with top Eagles

MANILA, Philippines – Just like Ateneo teammates Rabeh al-Hussaini and Ryan Buenafe, Nonoy Baclao also deserves to be in the spotlight in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). With al-Hussaini and Buenafe respectively earning the Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year honors, Baclao added the Defensive Player of Year crown in the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ growing list of individual titles in UAAP Season 71. Baclao made an impact on the Blue Eagles’ amazing run this season making his contributions on the defensive side. He is part of a defensive unit that limited its opponents to 62.3 points over the course of the tournament. He is not known for his offensive production after posting an average of 7.2 points per game. Baclao is better known for his rebounding and shot-blocking skills logging in close to eight rebounds and three blocked shots per outing. During Sunday’s Game One, Baclao had a season-high seven blocks in Ateneo’s 69-61 win over La Salle. He punctuated that Ateneo win by blocking the shot attempts of James Mangahas and Rico Maierhoffer in the final two minutes of the game. “I don’t keep track of the statistics. What’s important for me is to play good clean defense and that we get the win," said Baclao, who is in second season as an Eagle. Baclao also said they hope to finish the series on Thursday. “Hopefully we could end it. I think both teams are now tired since it has been a long season." “Cheers also to La Salle since they have championship experience. But we really wanted to win. We were leading all-season long and our efforts would be wasted if we lose in the finals." – GMANews.TV