Slaughter returns as Ateneo outplays FEU, 74-63, for semis spot

Ateneo’s Greg Slaughter wins the rebound off FEU’s Russel Escoto during their match for a semi-final spot in the Filoil Preseason Cup at the San Juan Arena Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Eagles secured a semis slot with a 74-63 victory over the Tamaraws. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines – Greg Slaughter’s comeback yielded instant results as Ateneo moved a step closer to its title defense with a 74-63 triumph over Far Eastern University Wednesday in the 2012 Filoil Flying-V Pre-Season Cup.

Slaughter, back from being sidelined for a week because of an ankle sprain, starred in the stifling defense of the Blue Eagles in the fourth period where they built a comfortable 68-58 lead en route to the win.

The seven-foot center assisted Juami Tiongson, completed an and-one opportunity, and punctuated the 9-0 run with a slam with 2:23 left to play to finish with 29 big points along with 11 rebounds.

“Greg [Slaughter] is fresher than the rest of my guys, who have been playing almost everyday since we got back from the States,” said coach Norman Black. “He played very well today.”

Juami Tiongson finished with 12 points while Kiefer Ravena, although having scored only seven on 2-of-11 shooting, still managed to haul down nine rebounds.

It was only after three and half quarters that Ateneo finally shrugged off the pesky Tamaraws, who kept on striking back everytime the Blue Eagles gained momentum.

Baskets from Cris Tolomia and Carl Cruz brought FEU to within a point, 58-59, midway the fourth period but that was before Ateneo turned to Slaughter for help.

Terrence Romeo and Anthony Hargrove carried the Tamaraws offensively throughout the night with 13 and 12 points, respectively.