MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo de Manila University kicked off their UAAP campaign on a victorious note at the expense of the University of Santo Tomas, 73-69, in the nightcap at the Areneta Coliseum, Sunday.
The Blue Eagles’ Aaron Black— son of decorated ex-Ateneo coach Norman Black — registered brilliant numbers to counter the tested cagers of Growling Tigers.
Black fired 23 points on a 10-of-15 clip to help the Eagles slowly overcome last year’s bridesmaids, who drew much of their production from veteran Louie Vigil.
“I think the team came out a bit sluggish,” Black said. “A lot of the bench guys helped out.”
“We hit some crucial outside shots in the fourth,” noted coach Sandy Arespacochaga. “Not to say that we played bad, but UST is a tough team.”“We played unselfish… a couple of our guys stepped up,” he added.
It was only in the fourth period when the Eagles started to pull away. They kickstarted a 7-0 tear behind Jolo Mendoza’s efforts, 59-51.
Also hoisting noteworthy numbers was Thirdy Ravena, who is playing his first year without his famed brother and last year’s Most Valuable Player Kiefer.
Ravena tallied 17 markers to go with 11 rebounds and three assists. He was named player of the game.
The Eagles are tasked to ride on the winning momentum against another tested squad in National University.
