Raging Ateneo pummels FEU

By Josiah Albelda Posted Aug 28th 2013

What was expected to be a titanic clash turned into a showcase of why Ateneo de Manila University's six-peat bid is anything but a pipe dream.

The Blue Eagles shredded Far Eastern University's laughable defense into pieces to run away with a 92-73 triumph in the 76th UAAP men's basketball tournament Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Ateneo's cagers looked like men on a mission from the opening tip as the Eagles attacked the Tamaraws with reckless abandon to build a 26-8 advantage after a Vince Tolentino basket.

From there, the Katipunan-based squad -- winners of the last five UAAP championships -- never stepped off the gas pedal and with their offense working like a Swiss clock, the Eagles cruised the rest of the way.

And if there's a reason for Ateneo to go all out in winning its fifth straight, it has to be coach Bo Perasol.

"Coach Bo's coaching with a minor surgery," skipper Juami Tiongson said. "He should be resting right now. There are lots of reasons why we want win but the real reason to win today is for Coach Bo."

Tiongson walked his talk and peppered FEU with 20 points, delivering a career-high output as the Eagles tied archrival and Sunday opponent De La Salle University for third with a 6-4 record.

Kiefer Ravena also joined the fray with 18 points, nine rebounds and five assists while Chris Newsome added 11 markers.

"I commend Juami for stepping up and for having a spectacular offensive day," Perasol said. "They responded well and I hope they can carry this momentum against a very tough team such as La Salle on Sunday."

Save for a fourth quarter hiccup against Adamson University last Sunday, the Eagles have been playing devastating basketball of late and if they continue this stretch, then the Green Archers would be in trouble.

On the other hand, FEU coach Nash Racela's gamble of having Terrence Romeo come off the bench backfired as the Tamaraws struggled to score early and were already behind by 10 when Romeo was inserted.

The leading MVP contender, though, did not offer much help as he missed 17 of his 24 shots to finish with 19 points, many of them in garbage time.

The loss was FEU's third in their last four games but still maintained the top spot with an 8-3 record.

The scores:

Ateneo (92) -- Tiongson 20, Ravena 18, Newsome 11, Tolentino 9, Golla 9, Buenafe 9, Pessumal 5, Elorde 5, Capacio 4, Erram 2, Murphy 0, Enriquez 0, Asuncion 0, Asistio 0.

FEU (73) -- Romeo 19, Garcia 11, Tolomia 9, Pogoy 9, Hargrove 6, Belo 6, Jose 5, Inigo 3, Cruz 3, Lee Yu 2, Sentcheu 0, Mendoza 0, Luz 0, Dennison 0, Delfinado 0, Aguilon 0.

Quarters: 26-11; 51-28; 73-45; 92-73.