MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo rookie point guard Jared Bahay displayed what was easily his best game in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament, pouring a career-best 22 points in the Blue Eagles' 65-80 loss to defending champs De La Salle Green Archers at the Mall of Asia Arena Saturday.
Bahay said he wasn't happy about it, though, as he generated most of those points outside coach Tab Baldwin's system.
Well, at least the 5-foot-8 guard from Cebu had to against La Salle's defense.
"Twenty-two points but I'm not happy about it because most of the points didn't come from our system," said Bahay, who shot 8-of-15 from the field.
"The shots may have gone in but as I've said, we need to stick to our game plan especially when it comes to shot selection," added Bahay, who also logged four assists and two rebounds.
Bahay recognized that he had himself a night but the loss that sent the Blue Eagles to a 3-7 slate just won't cut it for him.
"It's a great of a game in a loss. As I said, I'm not happy with the outcome but it's a great learning experience for our team and we hope we can bring these to the following games."
In a separate interview, Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin said that Bahay, a highly-touted rookie, is finally settling down in the UAAP level of competition.
Bahay agreed to some degree but insisted he has a lot of growing to do.
"I kinda agree but there's still a lot of room for improvement, I'm gonna work on it and hopefully I'll get there."
With the loss that gave them the second-worst record in the standings, Bahay and the Eagles' chances of making the Final Four decreases.
They're going to continue to push, though.
"I think we still have the chance. We're gonna push more and hopefully we could find our rhythm. I'm not gonna let my seniors Chris [Koon] and SQ [Sean Quetevis] (go away soon), I still want to play with them."