Ateneo over La Salle

Ateneo showed poise down the stretch as they disposed of archrival La Salle, 79-73, in their UAAP season opener this afternoon. Pretty good start for the Eagles who had solid contributions from a lot of players.

This victory, coupled with their two preseason championships (Champions League and the Nike Summer League), should boost their confidence even more.

Random thoughts on the game:

• Jobe Nkemakolam slimmed down tremendously. Someone school me on his fitness/diet regimen. Dude is batak.
• The Nike-sponsored La Salle players had better sneaks than the Nike-sponsored Ateneans. The white/gray/gold Hyperdunks the Archers had on were more fly than the black/blue Hyperdunks of the Eagles. Ateneans better step up their shoe game.
• I can see Joshua Webb becoming the next Mac Cardona and I don't mean that as a complement.
• Rookie Ryan Buenafe is a beast. Dude can ball.
• Rabeh's looking real good with his Tim Duncan post moves.
• Ateneo's sky-high frontline is one big block party.
• At his best, Eric Salamat has the most wicked crossover. Just ask the DLSU guards.
• I can't think of any other player who gets hit more than Chris Tiu. He may not look the part but dude is one tough animal.

Speaking of Ateneo's win, I heard someone say, "nanalo lang Ateneo, lumindol na." This is in reference to the eathquake that hit Manila a couple of hours ago.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, I hope y'all are ready cause there are more coming your way.