Ateneo denies talks on Bo ouster

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo will be sticking with coach Bo Perasol despite swirling talks of his supposed ouster following back-to-back losses to University of Santo Tomas and rival La Salle to end the first round.

According to sources, the Blue Eagles decided not to alter things in the mid-season as they continue their campaign in UAAP Season 78.

When asked if Perasol remains in charge, AdMU team manager Epok Quimpo said: “As far as I know.”

In a separate interview with sports portal Spin.ph, Quimpo admitted there was meeting at Ateneo after their 76-80 setback to La Salle but maintained it “centered on preparations for the second round” and not on Perasol’s fate.

“(It’s about) Goal setting and improvements for round 2,” Quimpo told Spin.ph.

Assistant coach Ronnie Magsanoc, the man pointed to as a possible replacement, himself quashed speculations he was taking over the helm.

“It’s not true. Coach Bo is still in charge,” Magsanoc told ABS-CBN Sports.

The Eagles shared third with the Archers after the initial phase of elims with 4-3. Their three losses – a 64-88 blowout to Far Eastern, a 58-68 setback to the Tigers in a game mired by a fourth-quarter meltdown, and a 76-80 loss to the Archers in a match that saw them blow a 15-point lead – so frustrated supporters that they started asking for Perasol’s head on social media.