Gonzales rues La Salle’s failure to share the ball in loss to Ateneo

Louie Gonzalez is no stranger to the Ateneo-La Salle matchup, usually known as the UAAP’s biggest gathering.

He was able to coach the Green Archers in their 97-81 win over Ateneo in the first round of Season 79 after then head coach Aldin Ayo was suspended for an altercation with the referees in La Salle’s previous game.

But things have definitely changed since that game.

This time, Blue Eagles pounded on the Green Archers, 71-55, in the first meeting of Season 81 with Gonzales now in charge as head coach.

Gonzalez rued the lack of collective effort to spread the ball after the Blue Eagles continued to pester their passing lanes.

“Our attacking decisions were way off because in this game you first have to be selfish then eventually become unselfish,” said Gonzalez in Filipino Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena. “And I think that move was really the opposite of what I’m trying to preach to the team that everyone should have touches and that we have to share the ball.”

La Salle’s lone bright spot was Aljun Melecio who put up 21 points, on 5-of-18 shooting, and seven rebounds while no other Green Archer attempted at least 10 shots in the game.

Ateneo’s continuous pesky defense saw La Salle turn the ball over 28 times with the Green Archers tallying just three assists.

“Someone had to take over in the game because everyone was covered, the passing lanes were covered,” said Gonzalez whose team dropped to the fourth spot with a 3-3 record.