Pessumal scorches from long range as Ateneo wins third straight against UE

Ateneo Blue Eagle Mark Nieto as he rushes the ball. Pria Fernandez

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY—Von Pessumal went hot from deep as Ateneo scored its third straight win this UAAP season with a 77-72 decision over UE at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.

Pessumal fired six triples to finish with 21 points for the Blue Eagles, who outscored the Red Warriors, 28-16, in the second quarter and withstood a late rally to move to solo second place.

Kiefer Ravena nearly pulled off a triple-double with 15 markers, nine rebounds, and nine assists for Ateneo, which continues to gain steam after a bad season-opening loss.

Edson Batiller again led UE with 19 points.

Box Scores:

Ateneo 77-Pessumal 21, Ravena 15, Gotladera 9, Ikeh 8, Apacible 6, Ma. Nieto 5, Wong 5, Babilonia 4, Capacio 2, Black 2, Pingoy 0, Cani 0, V. Tolentino 0

UE 72-Batiller 19, Javier 17, Abanto 6, P. Varilla 5, Palma 5, Derige 5, Charcos 5, Yu 4, De Leon 4, Sta. Ana 2, Manalang 0, Gonzales 0, Gagate 0

Quarterscores: 15-17, 43-33, 63-50, 77-72

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