IT TOOK six long, heartbreaking years, but finally, Ateneo is king of the hill once more.

The Ateneo Blue Eagles return to the top of their perch as they dethroned the De La Salle Green Archers in a two-game sweep to wrap up Season 71 of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP). This is the team’s most successful campaign since 2002.

Ateneo 62, La Salle 51

The Blue Eagles proved their mastery over the Green Archers, winning all four matches between the two teams and the most crucial of all, a 62-51 Game 2 victory in front of over 22,000 paying patrons in the Araneta Coliseum on September 25.

In a low-scoring game filled with contrasting defensive strategies from both teams, the Blue Eagles got the upper hand as they kept their focus and allowed cooler heads to prevail.

Playing in his final UAAP game, Chris Tiu (V BSM AMF) did not disappoint, as he shouldered the offensive load with 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists. On the defensive end, Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) Nonoy Baclao (III AB IS) manned the painted area with 10 rebounds and four blocks to go along with eight points to his name.

Yuri Escueta (MBA) also played his last game with the Blue Eagles, finishing with two points and two assists. He prevented La Salle counterparts LA Revilla and Simon Atkins from getting into the scoring act.

Not this time

“I couldn’t describe the feeling. I can’t control my emotions because this is my first championship in the UAAP,” said an overjoyed Tiu. “It’s a dream come true. We always fell short in the past.”

The Blue Eagles made successive runs backed by Tiu, including a 7-0 run that ensued after Rico Maierhofer was penalized on his first technical foul in the second quarter. The momentum shifted to give the Blue Eagles a hold of the lead at 27-17.

A surprise performance by Jobe Nkemakolam (IV AB IS) also proved instrumental as his eight points on four-of-four shooting helped balloon the Blue Eagles’ lead to as high as 15 points entering the half time break, 41-26.

“It’s over. Next year ulit (again),” said 2008 MVP Rabeh Al-Hussaini (IV AB IS), who finished with seven points. “[The championship was] very fulfilling, sabi ni Chris siya bahala sa first half, at least nung second half nakabawi ako (Chris said he’ll take care of the first half, at least I made up for it during the second half),” he added.

Foul trouble

However, the defending champions would not give away their crown so easily, as they turned a potential blowout into another close finish. Jayvee Casio, who was constantly hounded on defense by Escueta, nailed four three-pointers, the last pushing La Salle within six, at 49-43.

With 1:31 remaining in the third quarter, Maierhofer was thrown out of the playing court for allegedly throwing a dirty finger during an Ateneo possession. Al-Hussaini would split the two technical charities awarded, and less than a minute later, Casio picked up his fourth foul that forced La Salle Head Coach Franz Pumaren to dig deep into his roster for other options.

Despite the absence of two key opponents, the Blue Eagles were unable to capitalize, as the Green Archers clawed within three points to end the third, 50-47.

Both teams were unable to score on several opportunities to begin the fourth quarter, but Ateneo got a huge break after Bader Malabes fouled Tiu on a three-point attempt. Tiu made all three shots, padding the Blue Eagle lead to six.

Casio picked up his fifth foul with 2:48 to go, virtually sealing the championship trophy for the Blue and White.

The Green Archers scored a season-low four points in the final quarter, all coming from PJ Walsham. Jai Reyes (IV BS CTM) provided the finishing touches for the Blue Eagles as his last five points provided the game’s final margin.

As the final buzzer sounded, the championship-starved Eagles came together at center court, weeping in jubilation for the fruit of their accomplishments.

“Thank you for all the Ateneo supporters, alumni, everybody,” said Baclao. “Gusto kong manalo para sa community (I want to win for the community).”

The calm before the storm

In the awarding ceremonies held earlier, the Blue Eagles took home various awards to the joy of their loyal supporters. Ryan Buenafe (I AB IS) took the Rookie of the Year and joined Nico Salva (I AB IS) on the All-Rookie Team.

Defensive gems Eric Salamat (III AB IS) was recognized as the KFC Court Colonel while Baclao took home the Defensive Player of the Year.

Included in this year’s Mythical Five were Al-Hussaini, Tiu, Casio, Maierhofer, and University of Santo Tomas’ Jervy Cruz.

The Eagles, who stepped up to the courts wearing black shirts numbered 24, dedicated the games to Head Coach Norman Black. “He’s an unbelievable coach. He’s the mastermind of this success,” added Tiu.

This is the fourth time that the two teams have crossed paths in the finals. Ateneo emerged victorious in 1988 and 2002 while La Salle won in 2001.

Game 1: Ateneo 69, La Salle 61

The Blue Eagles drew first blood as they defeated the Green Archers, 69-61, in Game 1 of their best-of-three finals on September 21 that moved them within their first title in six years.

Powered by Al-Hussaini’s game-high 31 points and nine rebounds, the Blue Eagles complemented their inside offense with rugged defense throughout the whole game, giving them a lead that went as high as 14 points midway through the third quarter. The 2008 MVP was an unstoppable force in the paint, scoring 20 of his points in the second half.

Leading by six with under a minute left at 67-61, the Blue Eagles had to hold off a furious last-minute rally by the Green Archers as they came up with a series of defensive stops. Baclao highlighted the Blue Eagles’ endgame lockdown as he blocked Maierhofer’s running shot with 11.2 seconds left that secured the Ateneo win.

Despite early foul trouble to Tiu and Salamat, the Blue Eagles remained in the game thanks to six early points from Buenafe.

La Salle gave a scare midway through the second quarter after a three-point play by Casio gave them their first and only lead at 29-26.

Led by Al-Hussaini and Buenafe, the Blue Eagles countered with 14 unanswered points that spanned between the second and third quarter to give them a 40-29 advantage.

Tension began to escalate, as Salamat and Archer James Mangahas got into a heated exchange midway in the third quarter due to extra motions between both players after a 24-second violation was called on Ateneo.