The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles were able to notch their first win in the 2016 FilOil Flying V Premier Cup at the expense of the still listless Adamson University Soaring Falcons, 84-75, early Friday evening at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Senior Kris Porter and sophomore Mike Nieto led the Blue Eagles in scoring 14 points and grabbing seven rebounds each. Vince Tolentino and Thirdy Ravena added ten markers each as well.
The Blue Eagles were down 39-35 entering the second half. Adrian Wong was able to spark a 12-0 rally that gave the Katipunan-based squad a 49-39 lead. However, Wong fell awkwardly on his left ankle and had to be rushed to the lockers. The second year player did return to the bench early in the fourth quarter but was ruled out of the game.
“We held them down to 39 points up until the three minute mark of the third quarter,” Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga said. “We were very happy that the players responded to the adjustments that we made.”
Adamson big man Pape Sarr paced the Soaring Falcons early in the fourth quarter as he feasted in the paint that kept the game from turning into a blowout.
The troika of Sarr, Dawn Ochea, and Jerrick Ahanmisi were able to cut the lead down to six, 77-71. A Thirdy Ravena reverse layup was answered right back by two free throws by Sean Manganti. However, with 35 ticks remaining, Vince Tolentino was able to connect on a long, buzzer-beating triple to end Adamson’s hopes of a hijack.
“We focused on our defense. Intensity-wise there was a let down on defense. That was our main focus,” Arespacochaga added.
Moreover, the long-time Ateneo coach lauded the performance of Kris Porter. “Kris is one of our dependable bigs. His got a good post-up game while his three-point shot is nothing new to us in practice,” he said about Porter’s one triple for the game.
“Good thing about Ports and our other bigs is that they are working hard and they are pushing each other. I’m happy that Ports is getting his recognition.”
Pape Sarr notched a monstrous double-double for Adamson with 20 points and ten boards. He was 10/18 from the field. Dawn Ochea added ten markers while three Adamson players scored eight points each.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles (B, 1-1) will have a 20 day break before facing the defending NCAA Champions, the Letran Knights, on Thursday, May 26 at 5:00pm. The Adamson Soaring Falcons (B, 0-2) look for their first win on Friday, May 13 at 3:15pm.
The Scores:
ADMU (84) – Porter 14, Nieto Mi. 14, Vince Tolentino 10, Ravena 10, Black 5, Wong A. 5, Banzon 4, Micek 4, Tio 3, Mendoza 3, Asistio 3, Escaler 3, Babilonia 2, Go 2, Mamuyac 2, Cu 0.
ADU (75) – Sarr, 20, Ochea 10, Mustre 8, Manganti 8, Ahanmisi 8, Paranada 7, Manalang 5, Tungcab 4, Pasturan 3, Ng 2, Camacho 2, Camacho 0, Espeleta 0, Bernardo 0, Garcia 0, Cadua 0.
Quarterscores: 23-19, 35-39, 58-52, 84-75.
