UAAP S74: ADMU vs UE

History Lesson:
On the heels of a blowout win against the NU Bulldogs, the ADMU Blue Eagles came out flat, conceding a two-point lead to the UE Red Warriors after the first quarter, and then taking just a three-point edge at the break, after a horrendous shooting performance from both teams that saw them combine to go 8 for 33 from the field. The Eagles snapped out of it in the third period though, after figuring out UE's halfcourt scheme, outscoring UE 23-14 and holding on to the lead until the final whistle, 73-61.  And oh yes, some Kiefer guy dunked in transition. (Recap here)

What's at Stake:

• Five games stand between the 9-0 Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles and an elimination round sweep. Even if it's not something the coaching staff isn't actively gunning for, they definitely do not want a let-down loss to UE, similar to what DLSU went through when they got ambushed last weekend.
• At 2-7, the University of the East Red Warriors are brimming with confidence after escaping the cellar and upsetting the Green Archers. Even with the playoffs out of the question, they'll definitely be looking to add another big name to their hit list. 

ADMU Stat to Watch : When the dust settled, Ateneo got 42 of their points in the paint, 22 from the line, and just nine from the perimeter. That's really how the Blue Eagles play though, but UE head coach Jerry Codinera might opt to force the Eagles to make shots from outside with a zone defense. Should he go that route though, expect his counterpart on the Ateneo side Norman Black to counter with ball movement, or scores in transition.
ADMU Player to Watch : After the first half, Greg Slaughter finished with seven points on 2 of 7 shooting from the field. Told to stop hoisting jump shots and to go down into the post, Slaughter responded with 11 in the second half, going 5 for 8 in latter half of the game. If he can show that sort of aggressiveness early and get RR De Leon and Chris Javier into foul trouble, the game will be as good as won for the Eagles.

UE Stat to Watch : UE wins when they put points on the board, simple as that. In their victories against NU and DLSU, they cracked the 70 point barrier, scoring 44 and 38 respectively in the paint. That won't be easy against Ateneo though, which holds opponents to under 60 points and just 23 points in the paint.
UE Player to Watch : Chris Javier actually posted his season-high in scoring against Ateneo, getting nine points, pulling down five rebounds, and dishing out three assists. He and RR De Leon will split time guarding Slaughter, but on the other side of the court, his ability to step out and hit the mid-range jumper will help UE spread the floor and draw Slaughter away from the rim.


Prediction: ADMU Blue Eagles