RUN, RUN and run – this was the theme of the afternoon as the Ateneo Blue Eagles overwhelmed the Letran Knights, 114-90, on May 5 at the Flying V Arena in San Juan. The win was Ateneo’s third straight victory in the Filoil Flying V-Tanduay Pre-Season Invitational Cup.

In a game that saw six Blue Eagles score at least 10 points, Ateneo relied on their newfound strength in the fastbreak and outside shooting. Veterans Eric Salamat and Nico Salva, led the motion-based, high-octane offense with 21 and 19 points respectively. Spitfire Emman Monfort chipped in 18 points of his own.

While quick hands in the passing lane and forced turnovers held the Knights back, the graduation of Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Nonoy Baclao left a defensive gap in the middle as Letran scored 90 points. Ateneo led the UAAP last season in opponents’ points allowed with an average of 60 points per game.

The win, nevertheless, propelled the Blue Eagles at the top of Group A in the team standings with a 5-1 record, with the single loss coming at the hands of archrival De La Salle. Ateneo will next face the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals on May 8, Saturday, at the Flying V Arena in San Juan. The team would then proceed to Las Vegas for their annual pre-season training on May 15.

Box Score:

ADMU 114—Salamat 21, Salva 19, Monfort 18, Long 11, Buenafe 10, Escueta 10, Austria 6, Tiongson 5, Golla 4, Dela Cruz 4, Erram 4, Chua 2, Gonzaga 0, Burke 0, De Chavez 0.

LETRAN 90—Alas 20, Belencion 18, Cortes 14, Dysam 12, Belorio 11, Espiritu 5, Alas 4, Almazan 3, Taplan 2, Pantin 1, Ang 0.

Quarters: 37-27, 64-51, 87-72, 114-90