Blue Eagles too much for Olympians

The Ateneo Blue Eagles are still as formidable as ever as my two favorite teams fought it out in a tune up game at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center. THe Blue Eagles prevailed with plenty to spare and I didnt even bother to look at the score anymore.  I was quite proud in a way for my team to hold its own against the mighty Blue Eagle squad and in a way saw some changes eversince they played last November.

The Olympians are a new team and most of the veterans are gone and last season's bench is still trying to find ways to spell the word team work! Like what Head Coach Vic Ycasiano and I talked about is that the team is quite set in the frontline but lack shooters and a good point guard.  Unfortunately thought 5 players werent there today. Center Forward Maclean Sabellina, Shooter Norman Ihalas and Rookie Paul Sabacahan are all nursing fevers while lead point guard Macky Macabasco was there in crutches and reserver Forward Vergilio Carino is also in sick bay.

Veterans Arnold Danganan and Martin Antonio carried the fight for the Olympians as they tried to hustle on defense and provide high octane offense to the team. For the Blue Eagles, Kirk Long and Eric Salamat sizzled with their patented drive to the hoop and daredevil style of slashing to the basket.  Before you know it the Blue Eagles were already up by fifteen.  

Rabah Al-Husaini was his usual spectacular self but unfortunately landed awkwardly in the second quarter.  Rabah sprained his ankle, came back was not the same. He went home limping and we are hoping that with a day or two's rest he will be able to play100% again.  His match up with Olympian Center Jean Mbe was also a thing of beauty as both players were showcasing their one of a kind defense. 

Nonoy Baclao swatted lots of shots and was oozing with confidence with his jumpers and putbacks. He will be a strong force in the coming UAAP. What really caught my eye was the hot shooting of Jai Reyes. Jai came in while the teams were already finished with the round robin and he was still in school clothes and never got the chance for a shoot around. When he came in he sank a three pointer and another one and another one. That is very nice for someone who is really considered as a deadshot from three point land.

The Olympians are still months from becoming a well oiled team and I do hope before the UAAP opens we can play a tune up game again and hopefully play better.