By MARK REY MONTEJO
One-and-done Dominic Escobar has been candid about his first experience of the Ateneo-De La Salle rivalry game.
And he has one word to describe it – electrifying.
So captivating it was he confessed he never experienced the kind drama, color and intensity that happened in the game before.
And what made that experience doubly significant?
Escobar, 23, impressed in his first-ever appearance in the country’s storied matchup with the Blue Eagles prevailing via an 81-74 win over the Green Archers in front of 17,185 rapturous fans inside the Mall of Asia Arena Sunday, Oct. 5.
“Man, it was something I’ve never experienced before,” said Escobar, who starred in the first half and finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, and one assist.
The 6-foot-5 brawny guard even posed questions to the former players as well to his coaches with regard to the notable Ateneo-La Salle duel which served as a big inspiration for Escobar to play better.
“But the coaches and all the former players, they’ve emphasized how much this rivalry meant to them and they take a lot of pride with it,” Escobar continued.
“So just with preparation throughout this whole week, it kind of gives you that extra edge to play harder and to make sure that we come out with the win,” he added. “And I just wanted to make sure I did my role well.”
The former Cal State LA standout also stressed that playing at Smart Araneta Coliseum first, where they had a 77-58 triumph over Adamson last Sept. 28, kind of helped him to cope up ahead of their game at the Pasay-based venue.
“I think I was more prepared this time. I’ve never really played in a big arena with a large crowd and a lot of energy,” said Escobar.
“So I think I learned from that last game and it translated into coming into this game along with our preparation and it helped a lot,” he added.
Escobar wasn’t only the lone star for the Taft-based crew, Kymani Ladi, Shawn Tuano, Josh Lazaro, Ian Espinosa, and Wacky Espina provided ample offensive support which powered them in the late game and denied La Salle’s final salvo.
That, after the Green Archers managed to cut a 31-point deficit to just five, 77-72, off Mike Phillips’ deuce with just 24 seconds remaining in the payoff period. which Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin wasn’t happy for.
“So, you know, if we can learn from these lapses that we had in the fourth quarter and understand what it takes to be solid for 40 minutes,” said Baldwin, who was evidently disappointed with his wards’ showing in the waning minutes.
“Then I think, you know, a lot of people are going to have heightened belief in this team. But for our coaching staff, for me, obviously, the boys still need to prove a bit more that they can play 40 minutes of good basketball,” he added.
