Batiller stars in clutch as UE spoils Baldwin’s Ateneo debut

FILE–UE’s Bon Batiller. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Bon Batiller came up big on both ends late and University of the East tripped Ateneo, 93-91, in overtime at the start of the 2016 Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup Saturday at Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

Batiller hit the game-tying triple with exactly five seconds left in regulation, 79-all, before denying Aaron Black’s attempt with less than 20 ticks remaining to preserve the Red Warriors’ victory.

“We prepared for two weeks just for this game,” Batiller said in Filipino. “We just want to focus on the game and play our game.”

The second-year guard, who was the biggest revelation for his team in the 78th Season of the UAAP, finished with 15 points in 15 minutes.

Renz Palma also shone with 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals for the Red Warriors, who won despite getting out-rebounded, 58-41.

Palma was steady at the free throw line, calmly sinking four freebies in the final 13.5 seconds to ice the game, 93-88.

UE’s win also spoiled Tab Baldwin’s preseason debut as the Blue Eagles’ head coach.

Chibueze Ikeh led Ateneo, which played minus Arvin Tolentino, Hubert Cani and Jerie Pingoy, with 20 points, 16 rebounds and two blocks. Incoming rookie Tyler Tio added 19 points.

The Blue Eagles lost point guard Matt Nieto, who got hurt after landing hard on his right hip late in regulation.

Nieto was immediately taken to nearby Cardinal Santos Medical Center.

Ateneo’s Adrian Wong hit a meaningless 3-pointer from way out at the buzzer.