THE ATENEO Blue Eagles failed to make the knockout stages of the Filoil Preseason Premier Cup as they were downed by the San Beda College (SBC) Red Lions, 64-78, on Friday, June 16 at the Filoil Flying V Arena.
All-around guard Robert Bolick, who was the only Red Lion to score in double digits, turned in a spectacular performance for San Beda as he tallied 27 points, five rebounds, four assists, and zero turnovers in 25 minutes of play.
Raffy Verano was the lone Blue Eagle in double digits with 12 points and four rebounds, followed by sharpshooter Anton Asistio with nine markers including three triples.
Starting forward Mike Nieto was a notable absentee as he sat out the match due to an injury.
The Blue Eagles were outrebounded by the Red Lions, 29-44, and also had a lower field goal percentage of 38% (24/63) to San Beda’s 49% (31/63).
SBC raced out to a 13-5 lead in the first quarter, dominating the boards early on. The Blue Eagles were able to get on the scoreboard through their first bucket by forward Verano and charities from Isaac Go and Tyler Tio, but there was no stopping the relentless Red Lions, who ended the first quarter up, 21-10.
The second quarter progressed at the same pace, as San Beda piled up their lead through Bolick who finished the half with a game-high 13 points. Despite the heroics from Verano and Aaron Black to stay within striking distance, the Red Lions continued their strong play to take a commanding 44-25 lead heading into halftime.
In the third canto, the Blue Eagles were able to cut the lead down to 13, 46-59, as they forced the Red Lions into more turnovers and showed improved rebounding. Ateneo, however, was unable to get any closer as the quarter ended, 48-63, in favor of San Beda.
With the Blue and White down by 13 with 7:13 left in the contest, Thirdy Ravena hit a crucial three to close the gap at 55-65. After Bolick and big man Chibueze Ikeh traded baskets, Jolo Mendoza made an impressive defensive stop, stealing the ball and cutting the deficit to single digits, 59-67, after making both his charities.
Although Asistio and Isaac Go both sunk late triples, the comeback was to no avail as the Red Lions still handily closed out the game, 82-67.
With the loss, the Blue Eagles finish with a 4-5 record, ending in fifth place in Group A, and will have no further games in the Filoil Preseason Premier Cup.
Quarter Scores: 10-21, 25-44, 48-63, 67-82
Ateneo: Verano – 12, Asistio – 9, Black – 7, Go – 5, Tio – 5, Ikeh – 5 , Tolentino – 5, Mendoza – 4, Porter – 3, White – 2, Andrade – 0, Mallillin – 0
SBC: Bolick – 27, Mocon – 9, Soberano – 9, Doliguez – 7, Bahio – 7, Eugene – 6, Carino – 6, Cabanag – 5, Presbitero – 2, Potts – 2, Adamos – 2, Tongco – 0, Abuda – 0, Noah – 0, Ejercito – 0
