Pessumal sparks pivotal run as Ateneo crushes EAC

Juami Tiongson shoots against two defenders. Photo from Filoil Flying V Facebook account.

MANILA, Philippines — Von Pessumal uncorked two treys to spark a pivotal run which gave Ateneo an 80-67 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College Friday at the 2013 Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at the Arena in San Juan.

Pessumal’s back-to-back triples, over a minute apart from each other, gave the Blue Eagles a 57-50 separation with 7:40 to play after just leading by a point at the start of the fourth quarter.

Though it struggled, at first, to put EAC away — Ateneo managed to pull away and win by double digits, which is first for the Blue Eagles amid their hectic summer schedule.

“We played Ateneo basketball in the secoond half. we moved the ball, it’s a good thing I made my shots. My teammates just found me,” said Pessumal.

It was the third match of Ateneo in less than a week in the Filoil Pre-Season cup — and it is set to face a tough University of Santo Tomas squad on Saturday.

But even without the strongest of line ups, the Blue Eagles are finding ways to win as they remain undefeated thus far.

Kiefer Ravena finished with 18 points, snared six rebounds, dished out five assists, stole the ball and blocked twice while Pessumal had 16 points and eight rebounds.

Guard Juami Tiongson added 15 markers, six boards, four dimes and two steals.

“The good thing is that they’re stepping up [to make up for] the aspects of the game that we’re not good at,” said head coach Bo Perasol.

The Generals stayed in step for three quarters, even with a disadvantage in rebounds and assists, but slipped away as the Blue Eagles gained momentum.

Five from EAC side wound up in double digits with King Igee and John Tayongtong leading the way with 13 markers apiece.

The scores:

ATENEO 80 – Ravena 18, Pessumal 16, Tiongson 15, Newsome 7, Elorde 6, Tolentino 4, Golla 4, Lim 4, Asistio 4, Murphy 2, Babilonia 0.

EAC 67 – King 13, Tayontong 13, Munsayac 11, Manga 11, Jamon 7, Arquero 6, Mallari 4, Monteclaro 3, Onwubere 0, Castro 0.