In a battle between two collegiate champions, UAAP champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles were able to eke out a 69-68 nail-biter over their NCAA counterparts San Beda University Red Lions, Friday evening at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
This is Ateneo’s second win in the 2018 Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup, presented by Chooks-to-Go. On the other hand, San Beda dropped to 1-1 in Group A.
However, just like in their first game against the 23 for 2023 Gilas Cadets, third-year Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin was disappointed with how his team played all throughout the game.
“Well, it’s only two games in but I’m kind of disappointed. Again, we are not worried about wins but our composure was poor,” shared Baldwin. “I think we reacted too slowly. San Beda was prepared for us and I understand that because their season is about to begin.”
And it showed in the final frame.
Behind Mike Nieto’s eight points in the final frame, Ateneo were able to take a 65-57 lead with 4:57 left. However, a bevy of turnovers plagued the Blue Eagles, resulting in a 7-2 spurt to slice the lead to just three with 21.8 seconds remaining.
“I think we were affected by the TV cameras. Cameras are good but we didn’t do well. I’m very disappointed right now,” Baldwin rued.
Free throws by Matt Nieto gave Ateneo a five-point cushion, but a clutch triple by AC Soberano gave San Beda a change. James Canlas then intercepted Ateneo’s inbound and was able to find Soberano, who drew a foul. The fourth-year sniper split his free throws, but Canlas was there for the rebound. Javee Mocon and Donald Tankoua missed their last-gasp attempts to close out the game.
Isaac Go led Ateneo with 14 points, but needed 14 attempts to reach the feat. Angelo Kouame finished with a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Mocon paced San Beda with 19 points, while Tankoua powered the San Beda machine with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
In the first game, Casper Pericas and Yancy Remulla combined for 31 points to lead the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates’ 90-69 romp of the debuting Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers. Jarvy Ramos was the sole bright spot for JRU with 12 points and six rebounds.
Meanwhile, the Arellano University Chiefs picked up their first win in Group B after a 68-61 wire-to-wire win over the Team B of the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags.
Michael Canete led the Chiefs’ balanced attack with 12 points and 15 rebounds.
On Sunday, the Heavy Bombers take on the CSB Blazers in the first game, followed by a showdown between the EAC Generals and the Mapua Cardinals. Ateneo will then take on neighbors University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons at 4:30pm.
The Scores:
First Game:
LPU 90 – Pericas 16, Remulla, 15, Pretta 11, Guinto 10, Mahinay 8, Liwag 8, Ibanes 7, Garing 6, Salo 6, Barbero 3.
JRU 69 – Ramos 12, Mendoza 9, Steinl 9, Estrella 7, Dela Virgen 7, Silvarez 6, Dulalia 6, De Guzman 5, Bordon 3, Butcon 3, Dela Rosa 2, Serafica 0, Ocay 0, Yu 0.
Quarterscores: 23-16, 53-38, 68-53, 90-69.
Second Game:
AU 68 – Canete 12, Dela Cruz 9, Concepcion 9, Dela Tore 8, Meca 6, Villoria 4, Alcoriza 4, Alban 3, Dumagan 3, Ongolo Ongolo 2, Cahigas 2, Codinera 1, Abanes 0, Sacramento 0, Chavez 0, Taywan 0, Camacho 0.
SSC-R 61 – Dela Cruz 17, Mercado 10, Sumoda 8, Villapando 7, Calma 6, Baytan 5, Cossari 3, Valdez 2, Baetiong 1, Calahat 0, Isidro 0, Risma 0, Abella 0.
Quarterscores: 19-13, 31-27, 51-39, 68-61.
Third Game:
ADMU 69 – Go 14, Kouame 12, Ravena 9, Nieto Mi. 8, Nieto Ma. 7, Navarro 6, Credo 6, Asistio 3, Mamuyac 32, Maagdenberg 2, Belangal 0, Mallillin 0.
SBU 68 – Mocon Ja. 17, Tankoua 13, Soberano 7, Doliguez 6, Nelle 4, Oftana 4, Toba 4, Cuntapay 4, Bahio 4, Carino 3, Canlas 2, Tongco 0, Abadeza 0, Cabanag 0, Mocon Ju. 0.
Quarterscores: 11-11, 29-28, 52-48, 69-68.
