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Baldwin hopes to rediscover Ateneo's winning ways after Final Four setback

Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin hopes that the Blue Eagles activate their "playoff mode" after they suffered back-to-back defeats. Rick Johnsen Dela Cruz/Dugout Philippines
By Kevin Estrada

QUEZON CITY -- NEXT QUESTION PLEASE.

Ateneo mentor Tab Baldwin does not mind the fact that the Blue Eagles' season might end sooner than they thought, after FEU inflicted them their second straight setback in their Final Four tiff Sunday evening.

The former Gilas tactician conceded that they just have an off night and the Tamaraws have shot better as the latter forced a do-or-die game on Wednesday.

"FEU played real well, they had a good game plan. We just shot just abysmal," Baldwin said.

As they look forward in the rematch three days from now, he hopes that the loss will be a wake up call for them knowing that going out with three straight losses will negate the 13 consecutive triumphs that they made.

"Forget the regular season, whatever it means. It's playoff basketball," he added, as he described that they played like a young team.

Now with the backs against the wall, Baldwin stress the importance of humbly rediscovering the ways that got them within a win of a season sweep, after realizing that they never have been in a situation like these for a long time.

"We have to accept the humility of the scenario," he concluded.

Follow him on Twitter: @KevinLEstrada