THIRDY RAVENA was fouled hitting a go-ahead triple with nine seconds remaining, sealing the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ upset of archrivals De La Salle Green Archers, 80-78, in the FilOil Premier Preseason Cup at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
High-intensity play highlighted the much-anticipated rematch of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 79 Finals.
The Blue Eagles used a balanced performance to fuel their attack, led by Anton Asistio’s 13 points on four three-pointers. Mike Nieto chipped in with 10 points and eight rebounds, and Raffy Verano scored 10 himself off the bench. Thirdy Ravena and Juwaun White dropped nine markers apiece.
La Salle was led by their one-two punch of Ben “Big Ben” Mbala and Aljun Melecio. “Big Ben” dropped 23 points and hauled in nine boards, while Melecio finished with 20 points, five rebounds, and three three-pointers.
The Blue Eagles can credit their long-range shooting for the victory, as they were a +7 on 3 pointers made. They also shot 41% from the field to La Salle’s 36% which made up for their shortcomings rebounding the ball, which DLSU won 46-39.
Ateneo was ahead for most of the game, paced by Asistio’s three straight three-pointers early in the first quarter. Ateneo finished the first frame with a total of five three-pointers and found themselves ahead, 22-18, entering the second.
Melecio took over in the 2nd quarter after La Salle fell into a seven-point hole early. The spitfire guard scored 10 of the Green Archers’ next 12 points, using an array of pull-up and catch-and-shoot jump shots. However, La Salle was unable to take the lead in the second as buckets from Tio, Ravena, and Go kept Ateneo ahead, 36-33, at the half.
The 3rd quarter was tainted with scuffles, as tensions began to flare from both sides. With the Blue Eagles ahead 43-40 midway through the quarter, Andrei Caracut was called for an unsportsmanlike foul after knocking Asistio on the side of the head during a fastbreak opportunity. After a staredown and a few words, the two were separated and play resumed.
However, this would prove to be just a foreshadowing of what was to come. Only a few possessions later, Ben Mbala and Isaac Go would get tangled up battling for the ball, which would lead to a shoving match among the two sides. Referees and security would come in and force both teams back to their respective benches. Asistio and Melecio were hit with technicals, while the two aforementioned big men were both hit with warnings.
The referees began to retake control of the game later in the period, avoiding further commotion. The teams traded free throws drawn via the tighter whistles of the officials, and the lead would begin to swing back and forth. Verano would sneak a pass to find Porter for a lay-up in the final possession of the 3rd, and the Eagles would stay ahead, 53-51.
In the fourth, Ateneo would stay ahead courtesy of the hot hands of Mike Nieto and Jawaun White. The former would knock in two threes and a long two, while the latter would hit a three and an and-one as the Blue Eagles would take five point lead, 73-68, with 2:18 remaining.
However, the Green Archers would turn up the heat defensively, forcing turnovers and bad shots from the Blue Eagles. On the offensive side of the ball, the Green Archers would score six straight points, the last two of which coming on an Mbala putback with 18 seconds left to give La Salle the lead, 74-73.
Off the timeout, Tio would receive the ball near the halfcourt line on the right side and begin moving left. With the bigman Santi Santillan switched onto him, a hesitation dribble allowed Tio to attack to his left. Ricci Rivero would collapse and Tio would find an open Thirdy Ravena in the corner for the go-ahead three. Rivero would attempt a contest, only to be called for a foul for his efforts.
“It was an opportunity that presented itself and I just took it. It was a good pass by Tyler, he drew my defender in so all I had to do was shoot it,” Ravena said of his incredible shot.
With the Blue Eagles up, 76-74, with nine seconds remaining, Ravena would miss his freebie only to see the ball bounce straight into the hands of teammate Matt Nieto, who would sink his two charities. La Salle would score on a backdoor play, but White would knock in two free throws with four seconds left to seal the game for the Blue Eagles.
With the win, Ateneo moves to a (3-2) record in the FilOil tournament, while the Green Archers fall to (4-3). The Blue Eagles are set to play a grueling schedule in the next few days: tomorrow vs. Jose Rizal University (JRU); June 14th vs. Perpetual; and June 16th vs. undefeated San Beda.
“It’s going to be a tough schedule for us. We can’t let this win get the best of us. We have to work hard and follow Coach Tab all the time,” said Ravena of the upcoming schedule.
The Blue Eagles will have their Independence Day match-up against JRU (5-1) in the FilOil Flying V Arena at 5PM.
