THE ATENEO Blue Eagles lost to the La Salle Green Archers, 66-98, on Sunday, May 29, 2016, in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup held in the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

The Taft-based squad started out strong, ending the first quarter leading 22-14, and never looked back, consequently crushing the Blue and White by 32 points.

The Green Archers crashed the boards getting 54 rebounds as opposed to Ateneo’s 37. The La Salle press also caused problems for the Blue Eagles who committed 28 turnovers in total.

Ben Mbala led the way for the Green Archers with 28 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 blocks. He was followed by Jeron Teng who finished with 24 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.

“That was an excellent performance by La Salle,” said Coach Tab Baldwin. “When you’re served up with that kind of butt- kicking, the most important thing is to give credit where credit is due.”

Thirdy Ravena and Chibueze Ikeh top scored for the Blue Eagles with 10 apiece. With the loss, the Blue Eagles snap their 2 game winning streak and fall to 3-2, putting the team at tie with Adamson Falcons in Group B.

“This is a preparation tournament, so we’re not daunted by the result of the game, but the performance was not something we were pleased with, explains Coach Baldwin. “It’s great for us because it forces us to raise the bar ourselves and I think that’s what sports is supposed to be about.”

Ateneo will look to bounce back in the next game against Mapua Institute of Technology on Tuesday, June 5, 2016, 5pm at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

Box Scores:

Ateneo: Ravena- 10, Ikeh- 10, Porter- 8, A. Wong- 8, Black- 7, J. Nieto- 6, M. Nieto- 4, Tio- 3, Allmond- 3, Babilonia- 2, V. Tolentino- 2, Mendoza- 2, Banzon- 1

La Salle: Mbala- 28, Teng- 24, Tratter- 10, Torres- 9, Montalbo- 8, Melecio- 8, Caracut- 5, R. Rivero- 4, P. Rivero- 2