COACH Tab Baldwin is determined to make Ateneo great again.

In their first game since their elimination in the Final Four race, the Blue Eagles left everything on the floor even though there’s nothing left to play.

Ateneo, which will miss the Final Four for the first time in 2013, gave University of the East a big blow on its semifinals bid with a 71-67 victory Thursday night at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena.

“There is more than just pride to play for. There’s the uniform that we wear and trying to live up to the standards that is expected of us by our community, by our teammates, and by ourselves. I was just very happy with the team today because they played with so much effort and resolve,” said Baldwin.

The Blue Eagles played their best basketball of the season with rookie Jared Bahay leading the way.

Bahay finished with 11 points, none more important than those five in the clutch to preserve Ateneo’s lead.

“I’m happy being able to make the shots and coach Tab trusting me to take those shots is a big confidence booster to me,” said Bahay, who is considered as one of the Blue Eagles’ cornerstones in their rebuild.

Baldwin trusted Bahay with the chance to close the game – and he delivered.

Despite his earlier struggles, Bahay never lost confidence to help his squad improve to a 4-9 record.

“It’s about trusting myself and having the confidence to take those shots because I know I can make them. With Coach Tab’s blessing, I took them – and made them,” Bahay said.

Ateneo hopes to wrap up the season on a winning note against Adamson on Nov. 23 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, a make-up from the postponed Oct. 23 clash due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

Bahay is proving his worth as the Blue Eagles’ go-to guy, hoping to contribute to the Katipunan-based team’s quest to revive its glory days.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado