Ateneo claims UAAP crown, ends five-year drought

(Finals MVP Thirdy Ravena attempting a shot. Photo by Josh Albelda/Rappler)

THE ATENEO de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles clinched the championship after escaping De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, 88-86, in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 80 Men’s Basketball Finals at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday.

The Blue Eagles managed to return the crown to Katipunan after a five-year drought.

Ateneo big man Isaac Go drained a triple with 24.7 ticks left in the game to give his team a two-possession lead, 85-80.

Trailing by 10 points in the latter part of the payoff period, La Salle uncorked a 10-2 run, punctuated by an Andrei Caracut trifecta with 48.9 seconds left to trim the deficit to two, 80-82.

La Salle shot a measly 8-for-33 from the rainbow country, while Ateneo drained 10-for-25.

Thirdy Ravena was named Finals MVP after contributing 17 markers, eight boards and five assists in this winner-take-all Game 3. Matt Nieto added 13 points.

Ateneo center Chibueze Ikeh chipped in 12 markers and 13 rebounds, eight of which came from the offensive end.

Season MVP Ben Mbala contributed 19 points and 14 caroms to La Salle. Aljun Melecio and Ricci Rivero combined for 30 markers on an 11-for-33 shooting clip. SHAYLA RAE ROMERO