ATENEO continued its impressive preseason buildup with another title, ruling the 25-Under division in the 2018 SMART City Hoops Summer Classic with a 70–58 drubbing of Far Eastern University on Wednesday at Greenhills West Gym.
Thirdy Ravena led the all-out assault with his 12 points and six rebounds as the Blue Eagles got a triumphant sendoff before flying to Greece for a 14-day camp.
Isaac Go and Angelo Kouame muscled their way inside to score nine apiece, while Matt Nieto was happy to be run the offense for Ateneo with his seven points, three assists, and three steals.
Defense got things done for the Blue Eagles which fought back from a 35-39 deficit in the third frame and fired a killer 13-1 run to erect a commanding 57-44 lead early in the fourth period.
"We got enough veterans on this team that is why we stayed composed,” said coach Tab Baldwin, who relied heavily on Ravena and Go. “Fortunately, in the second half, we settled down and we got away with the win.”
Arvin Tolentino paced FEU with 16 points and six rebounds, while Jasper Parker added 12 points in the summer tournament presented by Chooks-to-Go, Rain or Shine Elasto Paint, Mighty Sports, Cignal TV, and Wilson Basketball.
The scores:
ATENEO 70 — Ravena 12, Go 9, Kouame 9, Ma. Nieto 7, Belangel 6, Navarro 6, Mendoza 5, Mi. Nieto 5, Maagdenberg 4, Asistio 3, Verano 3, Tio 1, Black 0, Mamuyac 0, White 0.
FEU 58 — Tolentino 16, Parker 12, Gonzales 8, Orizu 8, Comboy 7, Cani 4, Eboña 2, Escoto 1, Bienes 0, Iñigo 0, Jopia 0, Nunag 0, Ramirez 0, Stockton 0, Tuffin 0.
Quarters: 21-18, 32-32, 55-44, 70-58.