Perasol upbeat despite Ateneo’s 0-2 start

MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo head Coach Bo Perasol remains optimistic despite his team’s disappointing 0-2 start in the 76th UAAP men's basketball tournament.

"For me, right now they are winners with the kind of effort they have shown and intensity in trying to win the game without Kiefer they are showing a lot of character," Perasol said after the Eagles’ 75-79 overtime loss to the FEU Tamaraws at the Mall of Asia Arena Wednesday.

The Eagles likewise lost their season opener to the NU Bulldogs last Sunday, and Wednesday marked the first time the Katipunan-based squad dropped its first two outings since 2003.

Nevertheless, Perasol is well aware of Ateneo’s winning tradition, with the Eagles aiming to stretch their title run to six years this season.

"I have to manage their feelings right now. My point is they are used to a winning tradition but they have to know that despite the loss, we are still improving as a team," he said.

Ryan Buenafe stepped up in the absence of marquee star Kiefer Ravena and Perasol was all praises for his ward.

"Ryan was really great today. He was big, literally, because he grabbed a lot of rebounds and almost led us to the win," said Perasol of Buenafe, who scored a career-high 29 points and hauled down 15 boards.

"It just shows us that we can compete and if we can become healthy and complete, we can be dangerous," he added.

The Eagles’ next assignment is archrival De La Salle on Sunday.