Racela, other ex-PBA players take center stage in All-Ateneo Sports League

Olsen Racela turned back the hands of time and sizzled for 17 points, powering Ronac 87 to a thrilling 45-42 win over AGS 85 in the All- Ateneo Sports League basketball series at the Moro Lorenzo Gym recently.

Before he became one of the steadiest point guards ever to play in the Philippine Basketball Association, Racela was a member of the back-to-back Blue Eagles champion squads of 1987 and 1988.

Racela's performance overshadowed the good show of several other ex-PBA players, who also played for their respective teams in this event organized by the Ateneo Alumni Association in cooperation with Nudge Productions and supported by Smart Communications, Chowking, Spalding, Fit N' Rite and 8 Cuts.

BJ Manalo and the rest of the Magnificent Seven of the AGS 95 team outlasted Flow, 64-59.

Manalo, a former PBA guard, who also won multiple championships as a collegiate and high school player in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, scattered 16 points as he and his backcourt mate Badjie del Rosario took care of business for AGS 95.

Del Rosario led the way with 17 markers while another former PBA player-turned executive, Paolo Bugia, and Yong Gregorio, added 12 markers each for AGS 95.

Also winning on opening day were Gento Chase and Uncle Eagles.

Gento Chase dumped Bravo, 74-54, as Peter Ramirez led the way with 18 points.

Uncle Eagles proved to be too much as the high-scoring trio of Kevin Erazo, and brothers Sandro and Martin Daez combined forces.

Erazo knocked in 30 points while the Daez brothers produced 21 markers each.

The AAASL is a league of multiple sports tournaments, which includes basketball, badminton, golf and others.

Last month the league's inaugural season opened with Fr. Bert Ampil, SJ, and director of Parents Union For School and Home, kicked off the program with a touching invocation prayer then followed by the school's athletic director Emmanuel Fernandez's message to all the partcipants.

AAA president Dennis Carino delivered the key message while Racela, one of the best products the school has ever produced, served as the guest speaker.

Farley Aguila, AAA committee chair, led the oath of sportsmanship in front of the competing alumni athletes before the four-game bill kicked off.