Salem shrugs off early woes, helps NU beat Ateneo

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

A rough first half would not dampen Matt Salem’s spirits to turn in a key performance for National University in its 70-60 victory over Ateneo in the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament.

A couple of early fouls sidelined Salem for much of the first half, where he only played less than four minutes but come the third quarter, Salem unleashed nine of his total 12 points, matching Ateneo’s offensive output in the same period.

“I just do what I can, I got to know what to do and that’s the only way I can help my team out,” said Salem. “I have a specific role and I just had to do that, that’s my responsibility.”

“They called some tough calls and I have to adjust to that, it’s what the referees decide and it’s not in my control so I had to adjust to the situation,” said Salem on the officiating.

With Salem becoming a vital part in NU’s improvement to 2-0, the forward said it’s still too early to call their early success a sure thing.

“We’re not worried about that, it’s only the first round. In the UAAP, everyone’s tough,” said Salem. “The second round will be harder, and it’s just the beginning.”