MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles dominated the 1st round of the UAAP Season 74, defeating all other teams to fashion an immaculate 7-0 record.

Despite this, a sports analyst believe that the Blue Eagles can be defeated in the 2nd round of the UAAP.

"I think round 2 is going to be different," said InboundPass.com columnist Mike Abasolo in an interview on ANC’s Hardball.

"I feel until these teams figure them out, there's no stopping the Blue Eagles, but I believe they are still beatable," Abasolo said.

The Blue Eagles, who are seeking their 4th straight UAAP championship, posted an average winning margin of 14.5 points.

But Abasolo believes that the other UAAP teams have a chance of beating Ateneo – if they can get their act together during the 2nd round.

"The only veteran team right now is the Adamson Falcons, they've been together for 3 or 4 years," he said.

Abasolo said the Far Eastern University Tamaraws are still trying to figure things out, especially as they have a new coach in Bert Flores.

The De La Salle University Green Archers, meanwhile, are still trying to integrate new players into their system.

Adamson vs Ateneo

For Abasolo, that Adamson Falcons have the best chance of winning against the Blue Eagles.

Indeed, the Falcons nearly defeated the Blue Eagles in their 1st game of the season.

After being down by 7 points early in the 4th quarter, the Blue Eagles held the Falcons scoreless in the final 6:58 of the game to eke out a 55-51 victory.

It was Ateneo's 29th straight win over Adamson.

"They (the Falcons) were close in the 1st game of the season," Abasolo said.

He added that a few minor adjustments from Adamson coach Leo Austria can spell the difference.

"When I talked to (Austria) personally, he's very confident that he can beat this Ateneo team, and he almost did," Abasolo said.

But after the close victory over Adamson, the Blue Eagles have consistently blown out their opponents, culminating with a 69-49 domination of the FEU Tamaraws.  

source: Boyet Sison -ANC