Quick Thoughts Before Gameday

Ateneo swept Adamson this season, but only by a combined 6 points. This is probably why Coach Norman Black wanted that #1 seed heading into the Final Four because he knows that compared to DLSU, Adamson is the tougher matchup.

Yes, I am aware that Ateneo has had Adamson's number for over a decade, and that Norman Black has never lost twice in a row while coaching the UAAP. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Final Four. Anything can happen.

Let's throw the stats out there and I'll run off a few quick thoughts.

Round 1

Round 2

Total

• Shot selection: I wouldn't go as far as to say Adamson has to stop taking threes, but it's a matter of shot selection. Against good defensive teams, there are times when the Adamson offense tends to settle. 
• Free throws: The first point leads to a disparity in free-throw attempts. Controversial calls aside, Ateneo really has a knack for drawing fouls all season long while Adamson seems allergic to the line.
• Get that ball: In the 2nd Round game, Ryan Buenafe did a lot of damage under the basket with a combination of offensive rebounds, put backs and trips to the line. Ateneo has to continue to exploit its advantage on the boards.
• EJ Camson: In two meetings combined, he has 5 pts on 2-for-16 shooting. He's just as important as Alex Nuyles and Lester Alvarez to this team. He's kinda in love with that 18-foot jumper. He definitely can make that shot, but if it's not falling he has to find other ways to get his points.

This game will come down to who can execute their offense better in the half-court. Ateneo has a tendency to fumble in the endgame (in the recent matches vs UE and FEU), while we already know that Adamson relies heavily on turnovers to create easy baskets. May the better team advance to the Finals.