THE RECORD-SETTING Ateneo Blue Eagles conquered the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 86-79, in Game 2 of the Finals of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 82 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, November 20, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The Blue Eagles’ victory completes the bid for their third consecutive championship.
Thirdy Ravena was awarded his third Finals Most Valuable Player plum behind a 17-point, seven-rebound, and five-assist performance. SJ Belangel followed up with a hot shooting night from downtown, tallying 15 points—all of which came behind the arc on 5/10 shooting from deep. Rhenz Abando led the Growling Tigers with 16 points on a 71.43% shooting clip.
The Blue Eagles soared from the get-go, outscoring UST 31-18 in a high-octane first quarter. In the second-quarter, a blistering UST attack sparked 9-2 run that cut Ateneo’s lead down to seven at 33-26 with six minutes left in the second period. The rivals continued to exchange baskets, as Ateneo would lead 42-32 at the half.
The third quarter saw the Growling Tigers mount a comeback, drawing major contributions from Rookie of the Year Mark Nonoy and spitfire guard Rhenz Abando. However, the Blue Eagles recovered quickly and stayed in cruise control for the rest of the contest, as their seasoned veterans maintained composure until the final buzzer sounded.
After the game, Ateneo Head Coach Tab Baldwin had high praise for his five departing players: Thirdy Ravena, Matt and Mike Nieto, Isaac Go, and Adrian Wong. “They’re special, and that word doesn’t [even] count it. The fight that they showed in these finals really flattered us. I appreciate and respect all of them so much,” Baldwin said.
The Blue Eagles’ win made them the first team to complete a 16-0 sweep in the Final Four era of UAAP Men’s Basketball. Ateneo also notched their second ever three-peat in the UAAP after their five-peat from 2008 to 2012.
Quarter Scores: 31-18, 42-32, 67-62, 86-79
Box Scores:
Ateneo (86): Ravena – 17, Belangel – 15, Ma. Nieto – 14, Kouame – 7, Navarro – 7, Go – 6, Maagdenberg – 6, Wong – 5, Daves – 4, Mi. Nieto – 3, Mamuyac – 2, Andrade – 0
UST (79): Abando – 16 Nonoy – 14, Chabiyo – 11, Subido – 8, Concepcion – 8, Huang – 7, Ando – 6, Paraiso – 5, Cansino – 4, Bataller – 0, Pangilinan -0
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