Hot-handed Pessumal leads Ateneo past UE

Jane Bracher

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Hot-handed Pessumal leads Ateneo past UE
The Blue Eagles are now on a 3-game win streak since their lopsided loss to FEU on opening weekend

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) — Von Pessumal was scorching from downtown and Ateneo de Manila University beat down University of the East, 77-72, in the men’s basketball tournament of UAAP Season 78 on Saturday, September 19 at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

The graduating Pessumal torched the Warriors with 6-of-10 three-point shooting to post a game-high 21 points. Pessumal got going after his first make and went on to register a perfect 4-of-4 from long range in the first half. 

“I think I got my confidence from coaches and my teammates,” said Pessumal, whose hot hands were key as the Blue Eagles turned a 5-point first quarter deficit into a 13-point 43-30 edge nearing the end of the first half. 

“I think I had the worst shooting performance in the first 3 games of this season but coach Bo, Kiefer (Ravena) and all my teammates just told me to keep shooting. I stayed confident, I kept working and I believe in the work ethic I put in.”

“I knew I was in rhythm today. When I sank the first shot I knew I had a good stroke today,” he added.  

Star guard Kiefer Ravena had a near triple-double performance of 15 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists and two steals as the reigning UAAP MVP took over in the clutch to ward off the Red Warriors’ spirited rally. He came through for the Eagles despite shooting bricks from beyond the arc all game long. 

“This is a tough win for us because this is our third game in 7 days. This is specifically tough on Kiefer and Von because they get the heaviest minutes,” Ateneo head coach Bo Perasol explained, whose squad will next face league leaders UST Growling Tigers.

“Middle of the game we tended to relax probably because we were really tired but I can’t say enough how delighted about where we are right now but we know we have much to do.”

Alfonzo Gotladera added 9 points and 8 rebounds while Nigerian import Chibueze Ikeh was effective on the boards with 12 rebounds and 5 on the offensive glass to go with 8 points. 

Ateneo out-rebounded UE, 50-39, but last year’s Final Four finishers failed to capitalize on the Warriors’ 18 turnovers with only 9 points off miscues. UE had 17 turnover points. 

Pessumal did not turn cold after the break as he buried two more triples in the third period, including one in the dying seconds, to give Ateneo a comfortable 63-50 advantage heading into the final frame. 

UE threatened and came to within 60-63 midway in the fourth but Ateneo responded calmly with a 6-0 spurt orchestrated by Ravena to create some separation once more, 69-60 with under 6 minutes remaining. 

The Warriors kept fighting even in the final minute as they inched to within 71-68 but Ravena converted a difficult turnaround jumper to pad on the lead once more. 

Ed Batiller continues to shine for UE this season with a team-high 19 points, with 9 coming in the fourth, on top of 4 rebounds, two assists and 3 steals.

Chris Javier contributed 17 points and 4 rebounds as the Warriors dropped to a 2-2 record. 

The Blue Eagles have recovered nicely from their crushing opening weekend defeat at the hands of finalists FEU Tamaraws with 3 straight victories, including a previous character triumph in double overtime against defending champions NU Bulldogs. 

Scores:

Ateneo (77): Pessumal 21, Ravena 15, Gotladera 9, Ikeh 8, Apacible 6, Matt Nieto 5, Wong 5, Babilonia 4, Black 2, Capacio 2, Cani 0, Pingoy 0, Tolentino 0. 

UE (72): Batiller 19, Javier 17, Abanto 6, Charcos 5, Derige 5, Palma 5, Varilla 5, De Leon 4, Yu 4, Sta. Ana 2, Gagate 0, Gonzales 0, Manalang 0. 

Quarter scores: 15-17, 43-33, 63-50, 77-72.

— Rappler.com

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