Eagles, Archers take Flying V Cup opener

MANILA, Philippines - Archrivals Ateneo and La Salle topped their respective rivals at the start yesterday of the 2010 Filoil Flying V Tanduay First Five Pre-Season Invitational Cup at the Filoil Flying V Arena.

The Blue Eagles shook off a jittery start and clawed the San Beda Red Lions, 84-73, while the Archers beat the Letran Knights in a fierce battle, 77-76.

Ateneo overcame an 11-point deficit while riding high on the exploits of Eric Salamat, Eman Monfort, Nico Salva and Jason Escueta.

“We didn’t play well in the first half. It looked like we don’t know how to play basketball. We had 19 turnovers and our defense was bad. Fortunately, we turned it around in the second half. But obviously, we need to be in top shape for our next games,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

The Archers, meanwhile, kept their poise under gnawing pressure before leaning on a clutch basket by Joshua Webb to eventually nip the Knights.

The Knights had a chance to steal the game after an error by Samuel Marata but Kevin Alas missed a long heave at the buzzer.

Webb led the Archers with 27 points, including 10 in the third quarter. Ferdinand added 11 and Simon Atkins had nine.

The Blue Eagles sustained their hot shooting in the fourth and enjoyed a 10-point spread at 67-57 on two free throws by Frank Golla.

The Red Lions fought back behind Jake Pascual, who scored on a jumper and a free throw that put them within two, 70-72, but a decisive 8-0 run by Monfort, Salva and Escueta put away San Beda for good.

The tourney is presented by Pioneer Mighty Bond Extreme and sponsored by Filoil Flying V, Total Phils. Inc., San Marino, Accel and Hanes, the official outfitter with support from Adidas, BDO, Bayo, Jimm’s Coffee, Kaspersky, Zest Air, Karspersky Isecure Networks, Gourmet Coffee and RX 93.1.

 The scores:

First Game

Ateneo 84 – Monfort 16, Salva 16, Dichavez 13, Salamat 12, Escueta 10, Austria 4, Long 4 Buenafe 3, Tiongson 0, Gonzaga 0, Golla 0, Erram 0

San Beda 73 – Dela Rosa 14, Lanete 12, Marcelo 12, A. Semerad 5, J. Pascual 5, Hermida 4, Villahermosa 2, Mendoza 2, Caram 2, D. Semerad 2, Kyle Pascual 2.

Quarterscores :15-19, 32-43, 60-57, 84-73

Second Game

De La Salle – 77 Webb 27, Ferdinand 11, Atkins 9, Marata 7, Villanueva 5, Banal 5, Andrada 5, Dela Paz 5, Ferdinand 2, Reyes 1, Elorde 1, Vosotros 1, Paredes, Tolentino, Tampus 0.

Letran – 78 Dysam 17, Belencion 14, Cortez 13, K. Alas 13, Belorio 6, J. Alas 5, Rodil 4, Taplah 2, Espiritu 1, Almazan 0.

Quarterscores 22-22, 43-41, 58-55, 77-76