Ravena propels Ateneo past Adamson, 79-57

MANILA, Philippines – Entering the UAAP season, the verdict out on Ateneo was that they were still too young, maybe a couple more seasons of seasoning away from becoming title contenders once again.

Sunday, July 13, was just one game – more less against a team whose coach didn’t expect to make the Final Four. However, if anything, the Ateneo Blue Eagles showed they have no plans of sitting on the sidelines this year.

Not when Kiefer Ravena is finally healthy from his foot injury from last season, back and hungry to lead his team after they missed out on a Final Four berth last year.

Not when the team’s rookies already look ready to contribute. Not when veterans such as Von Pessumal, Nico Elorde, and Chris Newsome look to be in top shape.

“I just wanted to make sure [in] the backs of their minds, all of us wanted to be better than what we were last season,” said Ateneo head coach Bo Perasol moments after his club’s dominating 79-57 victory over the Adamson Soaring Falcons.

“My encouragement to them was that if you really dream that we are going to win, let’s dream all the way.”

Perasol: All of us really wanted to be better than what we were last season. #UAAP77 #rstream pic.twitter.com/DYcRpSrCqj

— Jane Bracher (@janebracher) July 13, 2014

And it seemed like they did. Ravena had 22 points – matching his season high from last season – while rookie Arvin Tolentino had 12 markers. Newsome also played well, registering 12 markers and 8 boards.

“I don’t think how we played today is going to be the gauge of how we’re going to perform,” Perasol added. “Arvin and especially all my rookies can be better than that.”

Both squads utilized the press to start the game, but it was Ateneo which stood out early. With a versatile lineup, the Blue Eagles managed to switch out and ice Adamson’s ball handlers on almost every play, disrupting the Falcons’ defense. A few minutes into the ball game, Ravena and his teammates were ahead 10-1.

Adamson answered by getting a couple of timely jumpers from Ivan Villanueva, though the Blue Eagles forced enough turnovers and found good looks on offense to take a 24-11 lead into the second period.

Villanueva spearheaded Adamson with 15 points, while Jansen Rios pitched in the same amount.

Matthew Aquino, son of PBA legend Marlou, had just two markers in his college debut.

The onslaught continued in the second period, as Ateneo continued to push the gas pedal. Prized recruit Tolentino caught fire, putting up 8 straight points in a stretch that included a poster dunk by Ravena over two Adamson players.

“Arvin was able to score but I know the whole game through, he can be better,” Perasol mentioned later on.

With a little under two minutes left in the second half, Pessumal hit his second 3-ball of the day, putting Ateneo ahead comfortably, 43-20. Moments later, Tolentino upped his total to 10 and Ravena put up another highlight dunk, giving the Blue Eagles a 27 point advantage at the half that pretty much sealed the game.

“It was just the heat of the moment. Nagulat rin ako (I was also surprised),” Ravena later said about the poster dunk.

He also talked about the victory, saying it plays a role as the team moves forward: “This isn’t a gauge, but it’s a stepping stone.”

Up next on the Blue Eagles’ plate are the Green Archers. Both teams look to add another chapter in their rivalry when they go head to head on Sunday, July 20, at 11AM at the Araneta Coliseum.

“Walang edge ang Ateneo against La Salle,” Perasol said, talking about how his team plays an underdog role for next Sunday. He also warned that while the Blue Eagles looked dominant today, “It was against a rebuilding team.”

Adamson, meanwhile, aims to bounce back against FEU on Wednesday, July 16, at 4PM at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Scores:

Ateneo (79) – Ravena K 22, Newsome 12, Tolentino A 12, Pessumal 8, Elorde 6, Apacible 4, Javellosa 4, Asistio 3, Capacio 2, Babilinia 2, Doliguez 2, Gotladera 2, Lim 0, Ravena T 0, Tolentino M 0, Porter 0

Adamson (57) – Villanueva 15, Rios 15, Trollano 7, Ochea 7, Inigo 4, Gumtang 4, Baytan 2, Aquino 2, Nalos 1, Monteclaro 0, Polican 0, Pedrosa 0, Barrera 0, Garcia 0

Quarter Scoring: 24-11, 47-20, 62-35, 79-57