‘Gritty’ Ateneo beats UE for fifth FilOil win

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MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo knew it would have its hands full against a much-improved University of the East side.

True enough, the Blue Eagles needed to rally late in the third quarter and hold off the Red Warriors in the payoff period to win, 77-72, Wednesday in the FilOil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at the Arena in San Juan.

“I think that my team made a new definition of the word gritty because the way they played that’s the way I saw it,” said Ateneo head coach Bo Perasol. “They were so persistent, they were so gritty and they didn’t mind that they were undermanned.”

Kiefer Ravena scattered 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists while Von Pessumal added 19 points on five-of-seven shooting from deep.

“Before the game our leaders like Kiefer said UE will be tough team in the UAAP,” said Pessumal.

The Blue Eagles, who overcame an eight-point deficit, 48-56, with under four minutes left in the third period, regained the lead, 65-63, on a basket by Earl Murphy early in the final frame.

A lead Ateneo, which nailed its fifth win in six games, was able to protect thanks to Ravena and Pessumal’s steady play.

Roy Sumang led the Red Warriors with 18 points despite struggling from the field.

Sumang made two free throws that pulled UE to within three, 70-73, with 3:39 left.

Ravena though, buried a jumper from the right wing that stretched Ateneo’s lead to six, 76-70, with only 1:42 left.

The Red Warriors dropped to 1-1 after blowing out Southwestern University, 81-62, in their first game.