Ateneo enters Filoil quarterfinals, drops struggling Mapua

Thirdy Ravena vs Mapua defenders. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Ateneo clinched a spot in the quarterfinals of the Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup after taking down Mapua, 90-77, Thursday at San Juan Arena.

With the scores tied at 75-75, Jolo Mendoza pearheaded the Blue Eagles’ 15-2 run to close the game out and give Ateneo the 4-2 record.

Mendoza’s 11 points were all scored in the fourth period including back-to-back threes during the run.

Assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga was pleased with how the Blue Eagles operated on the offensive end especially with the return of NCAA MVP Allwell Oraeme to the Mapua fold.

Oraeme has been out of the offseason tournament due to back spasms.

“We were happy with the way we played offensively, we shot a good percentage, and we’re happy with that,” said Arespacochaga, whose team shot 46 percent from the field.

Mendoza’s back-to-back triples, both caming off a pick-and-pop play giving the sophomore guard ample space to get a shot up, gave Ateneo the 85-76 lead.

“Offensively we wanted to see more of that, more passes, more recognition with their teammates.”

Aaron Black was the high-point man for the Blue Eagles with 18 points to go along seven boards while Thirdy Ravena added 11 points and nine rebounds.

Mike Nieto also finished in double digits with 10.

Oraeme led Mapua with 13 points and 17 boards while CJ Isit also put up a double-double of his own with 13 points and 10 boards.

Mapua has been eliminated from the playoffs after finishing with a 1-6 record.