Forrester leads Arellano past State U, San Sebastian deals Southwestern U’s fourth-straight setback

Ateneo guard Kiefer Ravena goes up against the defense of Letran’s Franz Dysam and Mark Cruz in their Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Premier Cup match on Monday. (FCF / Vyn Radovan)

Still smarting from their loss barely two days ago, Ateneo de Manila University bounces back in their 88-81 victory against debuting Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Monday’s 2013 Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Premier Cup at The Arena in San Juan.

Kiefer Ravena, who was held down to just seven points against UST on Saturday, vented his ire by tallying his season-best scoring output of 33, together with six rebounds and six assists. Chris Newsome tallied his third double-double of the tournament with 13 points and 10 rebounds in the match.

Former NCAA juniors MVP Rey Nambatac tallied 19 point in his collegiate debut, while Mark Cruz posted 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 steals in the loss that spoiled the debut of newly-installed head coach Caloy Garcia.

In the other Group A showdown, San Sebastian College-Recoletos kept guest squad Southwestern University winless via an 84-73 decision in the day’s opening match.

Jon Rebollos topped all scorers with 20, while rookie forward Leo De Vera added 18 points to the Stags’ cause.

The lone Group B match saw Arellano University surviving University of the Philippines’ last-ditch effort in the final two minutes and claim a 74-66 victory to remain unbeaten with a 2-0 slate.

Joseph Marata (19 points, 5-for-9 3-point FGs) narrowly outgunned his counterpart James Forrester (18 points, 6 rebounds) in the shootout, but the Chiefs got the all-important victory thanks to a third-quarter surge that secured the victory.

In the women’s showcase match, National University joins CEU at the top of the Group B table with a thrilling 83-78 overtime victory over Lyceum of the Philippines.