Nieto twins make triumphant return for 'motivated' Ateneo vs. Adamson

It was a long time ago that Matt and Mike Nieto were back in Ateneo's lineup and the brothers' choice of back home.

The two missed the Blue Eagles' last four games due to a combination of injury and sickness but got back just in time to defending the champions squash Adamson University, 62-48, in the second round of the UAAP Season 81 men's basketball tournament Sunday at Ynares Center.

Ateneo only has two losses against 10 wins in the season and the first one against Soaring Falcons, who scored a 74-70 stunner in the opening weekend of Season 81.

"It's good to really be back especially against Adamson," said Matt, who broke his head in the early part of the Blue Eagles' 82-62 win over Far Eastern University. "I got injured, I got sick, and I really wanted to go back to the game against Adamson."

Matt, who also had a dengue on the face of a broken finger, said the loss to Adamson made a lasting mark on the team and it fueled them to take back what the Soaring Falcons took from them back in September.

"Whether I'm a hundred percent or not, I really wanted to play against Adamson because they've gotten something of that motivation, to inspire them," said Matt, who finished with five points in 13 minutes.

As for Mike, who had three points in seven minutes, he was aware that he and his twin brother were still playing with their teammates but he was looking forward to the one-week break between their games against Adamson and De La Salle archrival.

Mike, who sprained his sprained his left foot in practice, said they used the days before their game against the Green Archers to get back to tiptop shape.

"You can not see the timing because it has been several weeks since we were able to practice," said Mike in Filipino. "We'll get there, we just have some extra work and we have a whole week to prepare."

"My timetable and Matt's are just right," added Mike.

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