MANILA, Philippines—The veterans took over with its two top rookies absent as Ateneo de Manila University hacked out a 73-68 triumph over Mapua Institute of Technology in the Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Invitational Cup Monday at The Arena in San Juan City.

Rabeh Al-Hussaini buried 19 points, including a decisive three point play in the last 73 seconds that gave the Blue Eagles a comfortable 70-65 lead after the Cardinals had rallied within a bucket at 67-65.

The Blue Eagles picked up their second win in three outings without new recruits Ryan Buenafe, the NCAA junior MVP last season, and Nico Salva.

Buenafe played anew for the San Sebastian College Staglets at the Palarong Pambansa in Palawan, while Salva had chicken pox.

Earlier, guard Paul Lee sparked a sizzling start by the University of the East Warriors, who went on to overwhelm the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 92-71.

Lee, along with James Martinez and Pari Llagas, towed the Warriors to an early 19-7 lead that UE stretched to 49-18.

Gee Abanilla debuted as the Blazers new head coach three months after replacing Caloy Garcia.

In the third game, Jim Viray and Jimbo Aquino combined for 45 points as San Sebastian College routed University of Perpetual Help, 94-79.

The scores

First Game

UE 92-Lee 12, Martinez 11, Bandaying 11, Llagas 9, Espiritu 8, Alabanza 8, Lingganay 8, Thiele 6, Zamar 5, Acuña 5, Duran 4, Etrone 4, Reyes 1, Tagarda 0.
ST. BENILDE 71-Morial 13, David 12, Sevilla 7, Porras 6, Montecastro 6, Dalanon 6, Johnston 4, Manlapaz 4, Abulocion 4, Wong 4, Santos 2, Dino 2, Umlas 1, Manalac 0, Dela Paz 0.
Quarters: 19-7, 52-20, 75-44, 92-71

Second Game

ATENEO 73-Al-Hussaini 19, Tiu 13, Long 9, Chua 7, Reyes 6, Baclao 6, Escueta 6, Salamat 4, Austria 2, Sumalinog 1, Gonzaga 0.
MAPUA 68-Dela Peña 28, Mangahas 13, N. Pascual 6, Banal 6, Cornejo 5, Acosta 3, Mazo 3, J. Pascual 2, Sarangay 2.
Quarters: 19-13, 43-35, 54-48, 73-68