Eagles rip Pirates; Stags score
(The Philippine Star) Updated April 28, 2011 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo de Manila flexed just enough muscle to prevail over Lyceum of the Philippines University, 92-77, and grab a share of the Group A lead in the 2011 Filoil Flying V Hanes Pre-Season Premier Cup at the Arena yesterday.
Seven-foot recruit Greg Slaughter once again played big for the Blue Eagles, scattering 17 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and making three blocks as Ateneo notched its second straight win and tied idle National U at the helm.
Defending champion San Sebastian squandered a 17-point lead but hung tough in the end to beat La Salle, 88-81, for a 1-1 (win-loss) card.
In Group B, Adamson leaned on the sniping of second stringer Allen Etrone to shackle University of the East, 70-61, and catch up with its victim at 1-1.
The Blue Eagles raced ahead to a 15-point bulge in the first 20 minutes of action, affording coach Norman Black the chance to shuffle his lineup in the final half. The Pirates came to within 60-65 but rookie Kiefer Ravena spearheaded a 14-2 assault that broke the game wide open again.
Nico Salva shot 14 while Emman Monfort and Ravena had 12 and 11, respectively, for Ateneo, which followed up its big 90-87 triumph over San Beda in the opener of the tourney.
Floricel Guevarra (20 points) and Chris Cayabyab (17) led the way for the Pirates, who suffered their second straight setback.
With their lead cut down to one, veteran Stags Ian Sangalang and Jonathan Semira conspired in a 6-0 blast that gave SSC an 85-78 cushion going to the last 1:04. A triple by Simon Atkins put DLSU to within four but Calvin Abueva took care of business on the stripe to tighten the noose on the Archers.
“Our patterns are still a little out of sync because most of our veterans could not join practices due to their commitment with the PBA D-League,” said SSC coach Turo Valenzona.
Adamson 70 - Etrone 16, Camson 14, Manyara 8, Alvarez 6, Canada 6, Cruz 5, Brondial 4, Cabrera 3, Collins 2, Lozada 2, Nuyles 2, Monteclaro 2, Olalia 0, Rios 0, Petilos 0
UE 61 - Santos 11, Zamar 10, Javier 7, Acibar 7, Tagada 6, Enguio 5, Sumido 4, Cabahug 3, Noble 2, Calo 2, Duran 2, Casajeros 2, Pujante 0, Flores 0,
Zosa 0, Montalvo 0...... bangko si Villarias
, missing gihapon si Olayon...
Ateneo 92 -
Slaughter 17 , Salva 14, Monfort 12, Ravena 11, Long 8, Gonzaga 8, Erram 8, Chua 7, Golla 2, Tiongson 2, Capacio 2, Pessumal 1,
Tallo 0..... wala man manimaho ang atong manok
Lyceum 77 - Guevarra 20, Cayabyab 17, Foronda 12, Ko 10, Mallari 9, Azores 3, Napiza 3, Laude 2, Lacap 1, Salazar 0, Anacta 0