Ateneo Getting Stronger

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo coach Norman Black is hoping to ride the momentum of their inspiring win over Adamson last Sunday when they face Far Eastern University in the UAAP finals starting this Saturday.

Though the Eagles were beaten twice by the Tamaraws in the elims, Black is confident they can beat the odds and in the process perhaps secure his second personal basketball Grand Slam as Ateneo guns for its third straight UAAP championship.

As coach of San Miguel Beer, Black recorded a rare PBA Grand slam in 1989. The thought of a second slam is one reason he’s excited over their best-of-three series with the Tamaraws.

But before giving in to personal desires, Black tries not to look too far ahead. His objective is to beat FEU.

"I don't see each team having the distinct advantage even though they beat us twice," said Black after Ateneo dumped Adamson, 68-55, in Sunday's Final Four action.

This one-sided triumph and FEU’s near collapse against La Salle in their semis showdown where the Tams had to go through overtime to win, give Black lots of encouragement.

The key though, Black sees, would be on how to play better as the series go on. "What we talked about the entire year is to play better as the league goes on," said Black. "We felt that we were never at our best at the start of the year but we thought that if we keep on improving then we have a chance of winning."

"And the key for that is for us to play the best basketball at the right time which for us is now," added Black.

FEU won 72-69 in their first round encounter on July 11 then came back from a six-point deficit with three minutes left for a 74-72 escape act on Sept. 11 to gain the No. 1 spot in the Final Four.

Jonas Terrado, Manila Bulletin