Ateneo relieved after hanging on vs UST despite nearly losing huge lead

Despite giving up 30 fouls and turning the ball over 20 times, Matt Nieto and Ateneo said that they need this kind of a win.

By: Kevin Estrada

QUEZON CITY -- As Ateneo went 5-0 yesterday at the Big Dome, everyone in the team felt relieved after they nearly lost a 22 point lead to a late UST uprising.

"You can't take any team for granted," Ateneo deputy Sandy Arespacochaga said minutes after the Blue Eagles remain unbeaten after keeping their cool to dispatch UST in the second of Wednesday's doubleheader.

He pointed out that they let the Growling Tigers score more than 20 points in the first three quarters before limiting them to just seventeen in the final quarter.

Arespacochaga added that there is a letdown in their part after leading by as much as 22 points in the third.

"I guess there was letdown on our end but at the same time we could also see the sense of urgency from UST. They picked it up and we took a step back. It was a combination of it," he said afterwards.

Matt Nieto added they will take the win nonetheless, noting that there are lessons to be learned against NU on Saturday.

"It was a very physical game. We gave too many fouls and turnovers but a win is a win. We'll take it," the game's best player said, adding he's just done his job as their starting point guard.

Follow him on Twitter: @KevinLEstrada