THE ATENEO Blue Eagles dominated the National University (NU) defense as the cagers from Katipunan pulled off a 34-point win, 94-60, against the Bulldogs in the FilOil Flying V Preseason Cup on Thursday, May 31 at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The win extends Ateneo’s undefeated record to 5-0 while sending the Bulldogs below .500 with a 3-4 slate. Ravena led the attack for Ateneo with 16 points, while Asistio chipped in all 15 markers from long distance on an impressive ⅚ three-point shooting clip.
The Blue Eagles made light work of their opponents in the first half and managed tough shots from tight spots by shooting 8/15 from downtown, executing offensive plays to perfection with eleven assists. Keeping tight on defense as well, the Blue and Whites hustled for the 50-50 balls to garner nine offensive rebounds, and forced a series of turnovers that led to nine steals. With the momentum on their side, Ateneo capitalized on Asistio’s hot shooting from beyond the arc to enter halftime with a commanding 48-33 lead.
The second half had a similar turn out as the Blue Eagles continued to bury the Bulldogs with a barrage of shots while still defending superbly on the other end. Ateneo kicked off the third quarter in similar fashion, pulling away with a 10-2 run highlighted by a pair of triples and a steal by Asistio.
[Third Quarter]
Asistio with another long bomb! He is 5/5 from downtown tonight!
Ateneo 56 NU 35#FilOil2018 pic.twitter.com/EFFnmEw1gl
— Gerrick C. Limsiy (@Rick_TheGUIDON) May 31, 2018
[Third Quarter]
Asistio with the steal and the dish to Matt Nieto for the fastbreak layup.
Ateneo 58 NU 35#FilOil2018 pic.twitter.com/TNQzqC80DV
— Gerrick C. Limsiy (@Rick_TheGUIDON) May 31, 2018
Eight straight points from Ravena sparked a 10-2 run to extend the lead to 29, but a series of misses by Ateneo gave NU several baskets to keep the deficit at 69-46 entering the payoff period.
[Third Quarter]
Thirdy makes an acrobatic layup and a corner triple for a 5-0 solo run!
Ateneo 64 NU 39#FilOil2018 pic.twitter.com/mH7MYVXJDP
— Gerrick C. Limsiy (@Rick_TheGUIDON) May 31, 2018
[Fourth Quarter]
Stifling defense and well-executed plays allows Ateneo to enter the final period with a 23-point lead.
Ateneo 69 NU 46#FilOil2018 pic.twitter.com/iq1rH66j4R
— Gerrick C. Limsiy (@Rick_TheGUIDON) May 31, 2018
Rookie SJ Belangel found a rolling Angelo Kouame for an emphatic alley-oop slam that reenergized the Ateneo bench to start the final period. A frantic fourth quarter saw both teams trade baskets before Mike Nieto put the game to bed with a triple from off the bench, handing the Blue Eagles victory over NU, 94-60.
[Fourth Quarter]
Belangel to Angelo Kouame for the alley-oop slam to start the fourth!
Ateneo 71 NU 46#FilOil2018 pic.twitter.com/85t2aYNxvf
— Gerrick C. Limsiy (@Rick_TheGUIDON) May 31, 2018
Ateneo will look to claim win number six against the University of Perpetual Help System Daltas (UPHSD) on June 1, 2:15 PM, at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Quarter Score
Ateneo-NU: 26-10, 48-33, 69-46, 94-60
