Ravena explodes early, Pessumal closes as Ateneo sweeps NU

MANILA, Philippines – Kiefer Ravena went on an early onslaught en route to having his best game this UAAP Season while Von Pessumal came up with the big 3-pointer and hit huge free throws late to lead the Ateneo Blue Eagles past the NU Bulldogs for a second straight time, 68-59, on Sunday, October 25, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Ravena torched National U’s defense for 6 3-pointers and 21 points in the game’s first 10 minutes and had 26 points by halftime – the most by a UAAP player since the collegiate league began computerizing statistics in 2003.

The reigning league MVP didn’t hit a 3-ball the rest of the way, but still wound up with 32 points, 3 boards, and two assists. Pessumal accounted for 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. 

The Ravena-Pessumal duo shot 16-of-31 from the field, while the other Blue Eagles had 16 points on 7-of-21 shooting.

Now winners of 3 straight games, Ateneo improved their record in the Season 78 senior’s basketball tournament to 7-4 while the defending champion Bulldogs dropped to 4-7. 

NU was led by the 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists of Gelo Alolino, while big man Alfred Aroga accounted for 10 points and 14 rebounds.

Leaning on the splendid early performance of Ravena, Ateneo established a 15-point lead in the first half but allowed the Bulldogs to rally due to turnovers.

Both teams went back and forth for most of the second and third periods, and it wasn’t until the fourth that Ateneo was able to create some breathing room.

The Blue Eagles went ahead 56-47 with 6:42 to go, but NU bounced back thanks to the big-shot making of Alolino.

Trailing by just 4, 59-55, the Bulldogs had the chance to cut into the lead even more but an offensive foul on Alolino disallowed that. Unhappy with the call, a technical foul was assessed to an assistant coach of the Bulldogs, allowing Pessumal to make it a 5-point game.

Right after, the fifth-year shooter nailed a contested triple to make the count 63-55. After NU scored, Ravena and Pessumal took turns nailing free throws to put their team ahead 65-57 with 1:31 to go, which proved to be a comfortable enough margin to seal the victory.

Scores:

ADMU (68): Ravena 32, Pessumal 20, Ikeh 4, Wong 3, Tolentino A 3, Tolentino V 3, Black 2, Nieto 1, Babilonia 0, Gotladera 0, Capacio 0, Go 0, Cani 0

NU (59): Alolino 17, Aroga 10, Javillonar 8, Diputado 7, Celda 7, Neypes 4, Alejandro 3, Javelona 3, Yu 0, Rangel 0, Tansingco 0

Quarter scores: 24-18, 38-35, 52-47, 68-59

– Rappler.com