ATENEO rode on the torrid shooting of Thirdy Ravena and Mike Nieto in the payoff period to down defending champion Far Eastern University, 74-65, and complete the semis cast in the 6th FCBL-Freego Cup Tuesday at the Philippine Buddhacare gym in Quezon City.
Nieto and Ravena had eight points each in the team’s 22 fourth quarter points as the Eaglets snapped FEU’s five-game winning run in the event presented by Freego.
With the win, Ateneo tied National University, Mapua and its victim for first to fourth places with similar 5-1 records, virtually dashing the semis hopes of five other teams with still two games left in the single round elims of the annual pre-season event for high school.
Ravena, younger brother of Ateneo Eagles star Kiefer, and Nieto shared scoring honors with 19 markers each, while Matt Nieto chipped in 16 points in the event sponsored by Smart, Fresh Gear, Colt Commercial, Powerbest Mrkg. Inc., Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Hapee Toothpaste, and Insular Square of Cebu.
In other games, the Mapua Red Robins eliminated the University of the East Junior Warriors, 79-61, while the NU Bullpups proved tougher than the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs, 78-53.
Jose Rizal University, meantime, finally barged into the win column after six tries with a 94-62 rout of University of Perpetual Help.
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