Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
What was deemed as a potential Final Four preview wasn’t even close.
Ateneo treated Adamson like the whipping team of old, 85-65, to cap off the opening day of UAAP Season 80 Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Blue Eagles were hardly challenged by the Falcons, who are reeling from the absence of their dominant big man Papi Sarr.
“It was a good win for us. I guess we’re lucky that Papi Sarr wasn’t in the game,” said Ateneo coach Sandy Arespacochaga.
“We’re not surprised that Ikeh played great because he has been practicing well for us.”
Ateneo import Chi Ikeh feasted on Adamson’s diminished frontline and finished with 18 points and 17 rebounds.
Thirdy Ravena topscored with 20 points on top of 10 rebounds for the Blue Eagles, who never trailed and led by as much as 22.
Minus Sarr, who was sidelined due to a groin injury, the Falcons were out-rebounded, 60-35.
Sarr averaged 14.4 points and 14.9 rebounds last season as he led Adamson back to the Final Four.
Kurt Lojera had 11 points, including a drive that trimmed Ateneo’s lead to single-digits, 63-54, before Ravena extended it back to 16, 76-60, with 2:49 remaining.
The Falcons’ usual hitters struggled mightily on the offensive end with Jerrick Ahanmisi going 4-of-16 from the field and Sean Manganti missing all of his four attempts from long range. Both wound up with nine points each.