The Blue Eagles may have been wounded from their last encounter with the Green Archers, but it only made them stronger to come back and claim what is rightfully theirs – the championship title.
Ateneo De Manila University pulled off a stunning 88-86 Game 3 victory over the De La Salle University to claim the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball championship on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Blue Eagles started strong in the first half, 45-38, but the Green Archers managed to tie the game at 66-all coming into the final frame.
Wanting to avenge their runner-up finish last season, Ateneo made a 14-2 run to take an 80-70 advantage. But, La Salle answered back with their own 10-2 run, to keep them at bay, 82-80.
With only a two-point lead to keep them alive, Isaac Go came rushing to the aid of Ateneo at the time he is needed the most as he drilled a booming triple in the last 24.7 seconds in the game, giving Ateneo an 85-80 lead.
Aljun Melecio answered back with another trey to keep La Salle close, woth only 5.6 ticks left.
However, Anton Asistio and Matt Nieto sealed the win for the Blue Eagles with each of their shots from the free throw line.
This is the first championship title that Ateneo won sinxe their five-peat run back in 2012.
Thirdy Ravena, who have been hailed the Finals MVP, led the Blue Eagles with 17 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block, while Matt Nieto added 14 points, three rebounds and two steals.
Graduating Chibueze Ikeh exploded for Ateneo on his final game as he finished with a double-double record of 12 points and 13 rebounds, along with two blocks.
Along with Ikeh, Vince Tolentino and Kris Porter also played their final games for the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
Meanwhile, two-time MVP Ben Mbala paced La Salle with 19 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks and two steals, while Melecio and Rivero had 16 and 14 points, respectively as La Salle failed to defend the crown.
