Thirdy Ravena slams a highlight-worthy dunk against the Gilas Cadets in their opening game in the FilOil Preseason Cup. Rick Johnsen Dela Cruz/Dugout Philippines |
SAN JUAN -- Ateneo banked on a breakaway in the payoff period to put down Gilas Cadets, 75-69 to cap off the doublheader on the opening day of the FilOil Flying V Premier Cup tonight at the San Juan Arena.
Displaying their champion credentials, the reigning UAAP titlists pulled away in the fourth and final frame after a close contest in the first three quarters to open their preseason on a bright note.
Combo guard Thirdy Ravena fueled the Blue Eagles by firing 16 points on a 5/8 shooting from the field, point guard Adrian Wong made his return with his 13-point output.
Ateneo and Gilas went toe-to-toe in the first three frames before the Blue Eagles pulled away on an 11-0 burst midway into the payoff period courtesy of Ravena and Mike Nieto who fired seven of his ten in that stretch.
The Greenhills connection of Ricci Rivero and Kobe Paras lead the way for Gilas Cadets, with the former made his return to the court to lead all scorers with 17 in a losing effort.
THE SCORES
ATENEO 75 – Ravena 16, Wong 13, Mike Nieto 10, Matt Nieto 9, Go 7, Kouame 5, White 5, Belangel 4, Maagdenberg 3, Asistio 2, Navarro 1, Mamuyac 0, Credo 0
GILAS CADETS 69 – R. Rivero 17, Paras 13, Gomez de Liaño 11, Tratter 8, Ambohot 5, Gozum 4, A. Tolentino 3, Tuffin 3, V. Tolentino 3, P. Rivero 2, Desiderio 0, Mocon 0
Quarter Scores: 17-16, 29-27, 53-48, 75-69