Ateneo shoots for sixth straight win

VYING TO stay perfect, Ateneo hopes to stay focused against San Sebastian in the FilOil-Flying V Hanes Preseason Premier Cup this afternoon, just hours before the Blue Eagles leave for a United States training.

The Blue Eagles shoot for a sixth straight victory against the powerhouse Stags in Group A action at 12:30 p.m. at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

“San Sebastian is a tough team, they have talented players,” said Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga, who called the shots in Ateneo’s last two games.

In Group B, Adamson guns for a fifth win in six outings against St. Benilde at 2:15 p.m.

The Blue Eagles, the three-time UAAP champions, are leaving for their annual summer training in the United States before returning to action in the tournament on June 4.

Rookie sensation Kiefer Ravena has kept the Blue Eagles on a roll along with veterans Kirk Long, Nico Salva, Emman Monfort and Justin Chua.

“We’re happy with our ball movement, but there were still defensive lapses,” said Arespacochaga.

Arespacochaga mentored in place of Ateneo coach Norman Black, who served as deputy for Talk ‘N Text in its recent PBA title romp.

Running third with a 2-1 record, the Stags are powered by explosive forward Calvin Abueva, Ian Sangalang and Ronald Pascual.

The Stags dealt the NU Bulldogs their first loss, 81-74, last week, last week where the trio of Abueva, Sangalang and Pascual combined for 56 points. Jasmine W. Payo