Eagles soar on Pessumal treys

Games tomorrow (Filoil Flying V Arena)

12:45 p.m. – SWU vs CSJL

2:30 p.m. – SSC vs DLSU

4:15 p.m. – AdMU vs LPU

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo leaned on the hot hands of Von Pessumal to turn back University of the East, 77-72, and secure their fifth win in six outings in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at the Arena yesterday.

Pessumal uncorked five triples for 18 points, capping his heroics with a booming trey that gave the Blue Eagles a 71-66 spread entering the last five minutes, to backstop Kiefer Ravena’s game-high 23.

It was revenge of sorts for the Ateneans, who lost previously to the improved Warriors in the second round of the UAAP and in the University Games in Bacolod.

“They lost two in a row to UE. I have yet to remember Ateneo losing three straight to any team. They accepted the challenge,” said Ateneo coach Bo Perasol, who described it as a “gritty” win.

Roi Sumang led the charge for UE (1-1) with 18 markers, six rebounds and three assists.

Meanwhile, Robin Roño knocked down a triple at the buzzer as National University beat College of St. Benilde, 70-67, to pick up its second win in as many outings.

Ray Parks fired 15 points while Troy Rosario added 14 and Alfred Arogo chipped in 10 for the Bulldogs. Assistant coach Joey Guanio called the shots for NU as head coach Eric Altamirano attended to his wife Marissa’s surgery.

Mark Romero led Benilde with 22 points, including back-to-back triples that sparked the Blazers’ fightback and enabled them to equalize at 67-all.

Cebu’s Southwestern University finally entered the win-column after a 74-64 triumph over Lyceum of the Philippines University.

“We were able to break their (Pirates’) trap and that was crucial,” said Cobras coach Raul Alcoseba, remembering how they struggled against the defensive tactic in previous losses to Ateneo, UE, San Sebastian and La Salle.

“We addressed that in practice and hopefully we can carry these learning back with us in Cesafi (Cebuano league),” he added.

Southwestern University won its first match of the Filoil tournament, 74-64, over Lyceum of the Philippines University at the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at the Arena of San Juan yesterday.

Fil-Am Melvin Holper, brother of former PBA player Mike Holper shot 13 markers for SWU, which also benefited from the steady playmaking of Javy Bautista, especially when the Pirates were launching a furious rally.