By Ivan Saldajeno
SAN JUAN, MM--Ateneo banked on a third quarter surge to trip Adamson, 84-75, in the last FilOil Flying V Preseason Cup seniors offering at the FilOil Flying V Centre on Friday night.
The Blue Eagles bucked an injury to Adrian Wong and opened the said period on a 14-0 run to turn a 35-39 halftime deficit to a 49-39 lead. They were able to weather the Soaring Falcons' mini runs and cruised to their first win of the tournament following a shock overtime loss to the UE Red Warriors on Saturday.
Kris Porter collected 14 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, four in the first half, for Ateneo, who had Assistant Coach Sandy Arespacochaga calling the shots as Head Coach Tab Baldwin had to depart early because he had to serve as a guest color commentator for TV 5's broadcast of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum later Friday along with an Gilas-related commitment afterward.
Mike Nieto also provided an impression as he contributed 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one block.
Arespacochaga, as per initial diagnosis from the Eagles' physician, ruled Wong's injury as an ankle sprain.
"We're hoping [that] [no] major [injury happened], but we didn't want to take a risk anymore," Arespacochaga, who once served as Ateneo's chief tactician during the mid-2000's, said after the game.
Arespacochaga, as per initial diagnosis from the Eagles' physician, ruled Wong's injury as an ankle sprain.
"We're hoping [that] [no] major [injury happened], but we didn't want to take a risk anymore," Arespacochaga, who once served as Ateneo's chief tactician during the mid-2000's, said after the game.
Pap]e Sarr made 20 markers, ten boards, one assist, and two steals for Adamson, which is still trying to gel under new coach Franz Pumaren.
Ateneo can actually go for a double against Adamson as the Blue Eaglets and the Baby Falcons are playing as of posting.
Ateneo can actually go for a double against Adamson as the Blue Eaglets and the Baby Falcons are playing as of posting.
Box Scores:
Ateneo 84-Porter 14, Nieto 14, Tolentino 10, Ravena 10, Black 5, Wong 5, Banzon 4, Micek 4, Tio 3, Mendoza 3, Asistio 3, Escaler 3, Babilonia 2, Go 2, Mamuyac 2, Cu 0
Adamson 75-Sarr 20, Ochea 10, Mustre 8, Manganti 8, Ahanmisi 8, Paranada 7, Manalang 5, Tungcab 4, Pasturan 3, Ng 2, Camacho 0, Espeleta 0, Bernardo 0, Garcia 0, Cadua 0
Quarterscores: 23-19, 35-39, 58-52, 84-75
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