MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Blue Eagles emerged victorious against the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 85-65, on Saturday, September 9 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The battle of the blue birds would put Coach Tab Baldwin’s highly technical system against Franz Pumaren’s full court press. However, Adamson had a hole in their lineup as Papi Sarr sat out of this game due to a groin injury. 

The match also featured Blue Eagle-turned-Falcon Jerie Pingoy’s debut with Adamson this UAAP Season. 

Ateneo built an early 8-0 lead before Adamson closed the gap through production from rookie Tyrus Hill and Jerrick Ahanmisi, 12-10. The Blue Eagles end the first quarter with back-to-back threes from Jawuan White and Jolo Mendoza to increase the lead to 9 at 25-16. 

The second frame started sluggish on both ends, but Ateneo players Chibueze Ikeh, Anton Asistio and Thirdy Ravena led the scoring towards the end to put the Blue Eagles at a 15-point lead by the end of the first half, 43-28. 

Ikeh impressed by top scoring in the first half with 14 points and establishing vital inside presence by grabbing a total of 13 rebounds, 10 of which came on the offensive board.

The Ateneo Blue Eagles continued to exert dominance in the third, as they ballooned the lead to 20 points in the last two minutes of the game.

The Falcons rallied back with 6-0 run in the fourth through the heroics of Kurt Lojera and Keith Zalvidar which was too little, too late.

This win puts the Blue Eagles at a 1-0 record, while the Adamson Falcons are at 0-1.

Ravena led the scoring for the Blue Eagles with 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while Chibueze contributed 18 points and 17 rebounds.

On the other hand, Lojera top scored for the Falcons with 11 points, followed by Zaldivar with 10 points and 5 boards.

Ateneo will face University of the Philippines on Wednesday, September 13 at 4 pm, while Adamson will go head-to-head with University of Santo Tomas on Saturday, September 16 at 4 pm.

Scores: 

Ateneo (85): Ravena 20, Ikeh 18, Mendoza 14, Asistio 9, Tolentino 7, Go 4, Matt Nieto 3, White 3, Porter 3, Mike Nieto 2, Black 2, Verano 0, Mamuyac 0, Malilin 0, Andrade 0. 

Adamson (65): Lojera 11, Zaldivar 10, Ahanmisi 9, Manganti 9, Hill 6, Manalang 6, Pingoy 5, Ochea 3, Camacho 3, Bernardo 3, Chua 0, Mustre 0, Frias 0. – Rappler.com