Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Ateneo Blue Eagles rolled on to their third straight win after trouncing the UE Red Warriors, 77-72, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) on Saturday (September 19) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Von Pessumal broke out from slump and fired 21 points to help Ateneo improve to a 3-1 win-loss record.
Pessumal got plenty of help from star guard Kiefer Ravena, who had a near triple-double effort with 15 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. He also had two steals.
“This is a tough win for us. This is specifically tough for Kiefer and Von because they got the heaviest minutes,” said Ateneo coach Bo Perasol.
Indeed, Ateneo had to overcome a late-game surge by the resilient Warriors.
Bonbon Batiller and Chris Javier spearheaded UE’s attack to move within three points in the final minute.
But Ateneo held the fort to preserve the victory that put the team at second spot behind leaders UST Growling Tigers.
Batllier and Javier finished with 19 and 17 points, respectively, for the Warriors.
The Eagles, who absorbed a blowout loss to FEU Tamaraws in their opening game, will stake their record against the Tigers on Saturday (September 26).
“I’m delighted where we are right now, but we have much to do,” said Perasol.
