Other Blue Eagles step up as Ateneo gets on win column

Naveen Ganglani

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Other Blue Eagles step up as Ateneo gets on win column
Kiefer Ravena receives aid from his teammates in Ateneo’s win over Adamson

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – In their one-sided loss to the FEU Tamaraws, it was clear Kiefer Ravena needed his teammates to provide more help if the Ateneo Blue Eagles are to be a serious Final Four contender this UAAP season. 

Against the Adamson Soaring Falcons, the reigning UAAP MVP finally had support from the rest of his team as they exploded in the second half to attain their first win of the elimination round, 84-60, on Saturday, September 12, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Ravena was still playing at his MVP self by coming up with 24 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, but 44 bench points by the Blue Eagles provided the difference in the victory over Adamson, who received just 22 points from their reserves.

Rookie Aaron Black, son of former Ateneo head coach Norman Black, stepped up with 11 points and 5 boards, while Von Pessumal registered 12 points. Freshmen Matt Nieto and Jerie Pingoy also played well, compiling 9 and 8 points, respectively.

“The way we played in the second half is the way we envisioned our team this season. First, it’s really a good win for us. Not for anything else but for our own confidence,” said Ateneo head coach Bo Perasol after the game.

“That’s really important because whatever confidence we had before that first game, it was really shattered against FEU,” admitted Perasol.

The Soaring Falcons, who was down just 4 at the half, fell to 0-2 on the season. They played the Blue Eagles tight in the first two quarters, but a 28-point third quarter by Ateneo proved as the difference of the contest.

The game was essentially settled when Black hit consecutive 3-balls following a Ravena floater to put their team on top 54-41. Moments later, Gwayne Capacio scored 5 straight – both baskets on Ravena assists – to push the lead to 62-44. 

Adamson didn’t stand a chance the rest of the way.

The Falcons were led by import Pape Sarr, who registered 13 points and 14 rebounds. Joseph Nalos also played well, registering 10 points and 7 dimes.

“Technically speaking, what we really need is some players – if not a number of players – to step up after what Kiefer is going to be doing… that’s really important,” Perasol added after the win.

Said Ravena: “It’s a good bounce back win for us. As coach said, it’s good for our confidence. I’m very proud of Aaron here. He really stepped up to the challenge. For a rookie to not play in his first game and then play like this, magandang confidence-builder yun.”

(It’s a good confidence-builder.)

The Blue Eagles will be back in action on Wednesday, September 16, against the NU Bulldogs – the team that went 4-0 against them last season and eliminated them in the Final Four.

The Soaring Falcons will take on the Red Warriors on the same day.

Scores:

ADMU (84): Ravena 24, Pessumal 12, Black 11, Nieto 9, Pingoy 8, Capacio 7, Tolentino 4, Wong 3, Babilonia 2, Cani 2, Nieto 2, Apacible 0, Gotladera 0, Ikeh 0, Tolentino 0, Go 0

Adu (60): Sarr 13, Nalos 10, Ochea 8, Tungcab 8, Garcia 7, Polican 7, Capote 4, Margallo 2, Ng 1, Bernardo 0, Camacho 0, Escalambre 0, Villanueva 0

Quarter scores: 13-16, 34-30, 62-48, 84-60

 – Rappler.com

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