Eagles, Bulldogs feast on listless Falcons, Tigers

ATENEO star Kiefer Ravena caps a breakaway with a dunk in yesterday’s game against Adamson at Smart Araneta Coliseum. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines — National University coach Eric Altamirano had boldly declared that the Bulldogs, even with the departure of two-time MVP Ray Parks, would keep up with the top contenders.

True enough, the Bulldogs surprisingly overwhelmed last year’s finalist University of Santo Tomas, 59-40, in the 77th UAAP men’s basketball tournament Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“We played some defense and they (Tigers) didn’t shoot well,” said Altamirano. “We’re confident with our game. I think the boys are starting to jell.”

Earlier, Ateneo also flashed murderous form in dumping Adamson, 79-57, to join the Bulldogs and opening-day winners University of the East and Far Eastern University on top.

Kiefer Ravena showed his old firepower and rookie Arvin Tolentino proved to be as promising as billed as the duo fueled the Blue Eagles’ one-sided win early.

“All of us wanted to be better than what we were last season,” coach Bo Perasol said of his Blue Eagles, who were nowhere in sight all summer as they trained in the Unites States, Japan and South Korea.

Gelo Alolino led the Bulldogs’ second-half breakaway to finish with 13 points, but the game also showed how miserable the Tigers played as they committed a whopping 26 turnovers and shot a pitiful 24 percent from the field.

Ravena, who had a less stellar showing last season due to injuries, pumped in a game-high 22 points on top of four rebounds and four assists.

“It’s a new start for us,” said Ravena. “A new adventure begins for us starting with this win.”

UST chief gunner Kevin Ferrer had seven turnovers and only five points for the Tigers, who wound up just a point better than the league’s lowest production of 39 points the past decade.

The Bulldogs outscored the Tigers, 22-10, in the third quarter to stretch their lead to 16, 47-31, after a slim 25-21 halftime lead.

Behind Alolino and Troy Rosario, the Bulldogs surged ahead to a 21-point spread, 58-37, as the Tigers continued to look out of sync.

The Eagles zoomed to a 10-1 start before opening up a 27-point gap, 47-20, as Ravena and Tolentino outscored the entire Adamson squad with a combined 21 points.

“The gauge is still how Kiefer will lead the team, but he will definitely need the help and assistance of everybody,” said Perasol.

The scores:
First Game

ATENEO 79—K. Ravena 22, Newsome 12, A. Tolentino 12, Pessumal 8, Elorde 6, Javellosa 4, Apacible 4, Asistio 3, Capacio 2, Gotladera 2, Babilonia 2, Doliguez 2, V. Tolentino 0, T. Ravena 0, Lim 0, Porter 0.

ADAMSON 57—Villanueva 15, Rios 15, Trollano 7, Ochea 7, Iñigo 4, Gumtang 4, Baytan 2, Aquino 2, Nalos 1, Polican 0, Barrera 0.

Quarters: 24-11, 47-20, 62-35, 79-57

Second Game

NU 59—Alolino 13, Rosario 9, Diputado 8, Aroga 8, Khobuntin 6, Alejandro 5, Neypes 4, Perez 2, Celda 2, Javelona 1, Salim 1, Yu 0, Betayene 0, Atangan 0.

UST 40—Abdul 11, Mariano 10, Sheriff 7, Ferrer 5, Subido 3, Lo 2, Daquioag 2, Basibas 0, Pe 0, Gayosa 0, Vigil 0.

Quarters: 14-9, 25-21, 47-31, 59-40