University of the Philippines coach Bo Perasol wasn’t at Mall of Asia Arena last Saturday when Ateneo opened UAAP Season 80 with an impressive win over Adamson.
But he got to watch Chiz Ikeh throw his weight around and carry Ateneo to a decisive victory.
“I actually texted him (Ikeh) that I was really proud of him,” said Perasol, who handled the Eagles for three seasons up until 2015, Ikeh’s first season at Ateneo. “I was really proud of how he performed; not just him, but all those rookie guys when I was there.”
Perasol battles his former wards when the Maroons and Eagles dispute the early lead at 4 p.m. on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ikeh had 18 points and 17 rebounds in an 85-65 victory over the Falcons Saturday. Thirdy Ravena, who played under Perasol during his rookie year, added 20 points and 10 rebounds.
A day later, the Maroons subdued the University of Santo Tomas, 74-73, thanks to a triple from Paul Desiderio with 1.4 seconds remaining.
Far Eastern U and University of the East clash in the first game at 2 p.m. with coach Olsen Racela hoping to bounce back from a loss to La Salle, 95-90.
“Of course when you lose, you look at the positives,” said Racela. “The second half was positive for us but if we play that way from the start I think the outcome will be better for us.”