Blue Eagles slip past Cardinals; Pirates up

ATENEO needed another clutch performance from Kiefer Ravena to slip past Mapua, 78-75, in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Hanes Cup yesterday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Ravena sank two free throws with 9.3 seconds remaining to lift the Blue Eagles to a sixth victory that also had Nico Salva and Greg Slaughter delivering huge numbers.

“Our first team played well, but I have to develop my second unit to come and contribute to the game,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

In the second game, Lyceum banked on a strong fourth quarter to down Emilio Aguinaldo, 59-47, and clinch its first win in four outings.

Salva carried the Eagles for most of the game to finish with 27 points and six rebounds, while Slaughter had another double-double of 16 markers and 10 boards.

Ravena, who nailed the game-winner in a recent game against University of Santo Tomas, knocked in the deciding foul shots after the Cardinals had threatened within a point, 76-75, following a Josan Nimes three-pointer.

The Cardinals had two chances to forge overtime, but Nimes and Jonathan Banal missed potential game-tying triples in the dying seconds.

Ravena finished with 12 points on top of five rebounds and five assists to help keep the Eagles (6-1) behind unbeaten San Beda (7-0) in Group A.

In the nightcap, Jose Rizal U stunned debuting San Sebastian, 79-65, to improve to 3-1.  With a report from Randolph B. Leongson, Contributor
The scores:
First Game
ATENEO 78—Salva 27, Slaughter 16, Ravena 12, Tiongson 8, Buenafe 5, Gonzaga 4, Elorde 4, Erram 2, Golla 0, Chua 0, Sumalinog 0, Pessumal 0.
MAPUA 75—Nimes 24, G. Banal 15, Ighalo 8, Parala 7, Taha 7, Brana 4, Estrella 3, Chien 3, J. Banal 2, Stevens 2, Saitanan 0, Abad 0.
Quarters: 21-13, 32-32, 56-45, 78-75
Second Game
LYCEUM 59—Cayabyab 18, Guevarra 13, Ko 10, Laude 7, Zamora 6, Ambohot 2, Edding 2, Azores 1, Mendoza 0, Garcia 0, Mallari 0.
EAC 47—Happi 9, Yaya 9, Monteclaro 7, Sanchez 5, Morada 5, Jamon 4, Munsayac 4, Chiong 2, Acebron 2, King 0, Mallari 0, Duran 0, Pillas 0.
Quarters: 8-10, 22-19, 37-37, 59-47