Ateneo shoots for 5th straight triumph

No team has come close to beating Ateneo in the first three weeks of UAAP Season 80. But the Blue Eagles know even the slightest sign of complacency can cost them a victory.

With this in mind, the Eagles try to extend their unbeaten start to five games as they clash with winless University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Working behind a fluid offense and a much-improved defense from last season, the Eagles have won their first four games of the tournament by double-digit margins.

“We can’t fall into the trap of looking [at] and enjoying our record,” said Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga. “We’ve got to stay focused on our next game.”

Tied with Adamson at fourth spot with similar 2-2 records, Far Eastern U and National U square off in the first game at 2 p.m.

The Tamaraws are hoping to improve under rookie coach Olsen Racela, even after their 78-65 conquest of University of Santo Tomas on Saturday.

Racela expects another dogfight against the Bulldogs, who lost to the Adamson Falcons, 83-76, on Sunday.

“It doesn’t matter who you play, it’s really tough to get wins [in the UAAP],” said Racela. “That’s why I keep reminding the players to always grind it out.”

Thirdy Ravena has stood at the forefront of the Ateneo attack, averaging close to 19 points in the first four games, while getting ample help from his teammates.