Filoil: Also-ran Perpetual denies Ateneo of outright q’finals entry

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

University of Perpetual Help prevented Ateneo from claiming an automatic quarterfinals spot in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup after coming away with a 60-59 win Wednesday at the tournament’s namesake arena in San Juan.

The Altas, who are already eliminated from the playoffs, ended their campaign with a 3-5 card while the Blue Eagles, who could’ve qualified for the playoffs with a win, slipped to 4-3.

Ateneo will have to win its next game against San Beda to claim sole possession of fourth place and enter the quarterfinals.

Perpetual had a comfortable 46-29 lead at the waning moments of the third quarter and was poised to go on a cruise the fourth quarter.

Ateneo, however, rallied back and outscored the Altas 23-12 in the fourth but Perpetual’s lead stood strong until the final buzzer.

“They’re a very good team but our guys were ready for this game and we’re happy we came out with the win,” said Altas head coach Nosa Omorogbe. “I just told my guys to keep playing and good thing they played honest defense.”

Perpetual had a vise grip on Ateneo, limiting the Blue Eagles to 31 percent shooting from the field, 17-of-55.

What allowed the Blue Eagles to chip away at the score was the Altas’ incessant fouling as the Blue Eagles converted on 15 of its 26 free throws.

Prince Eze had a game-high 18 points for Perpetual to go along eight rebounds, and six blocks while Flash Sadiwa finished with 16 points and 10 boards.

Mike Nieto led Ateneo with 14 points.