Ateneo’s Kiefer Ravena. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO/Tristan Tamayo
Ateneo finally found its air and picked up its first win at the expense of Adamson University, 84-60, Saturday in the UAAP Season 78 Men’s Basketball Tournament at Mall of Asia Arena.
Kiefer Ravena led the Blue Eagles with 24 points.
Ateneo improved to 1-1 after the opening weekend loss to Far Eastern University while Adamson is still blank at 0-2.
With the game close at 34-30 at the start of the second half, the Blue Eagles spread their wings and went on 11-3 flight with Von Pessumal nailing back-to-back baskets to give Ateneo a 45-33 lead.
Blue Eagles head coach Bo Perasol said their defense in the second half is the kind of play he wanted to see from his team.
“The way we played in the second half is how we envisioned the team,” Perasol said. “It’s for our own confidence.”
Jerie Pingoy then gave Ateneo a 24-point lead with 7:03 left in the game capping a 10-0 run to start their fourth quarter.
Perasol said the win is a morale-booster for the Blue Eagles after the drubbing at the hands the Tamaraws, 88-64, last Sunday.
“Whatever confidence we had with us was shattered against FEU,” Perasol said.
Von Pessumal had 12 points for Ateneo while Aaron Black put up 11 points and grabbed five rebounds.
Papi Sarr led the Falcons with 13 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks.