Ateneo overpowers La Salle, takes lead in Finals series
The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles conquered the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, 76-70, in the game one of the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament Finals at the Mall of Asia Arena Saturday. Michael Nieto went on fire early in the fourth period, sparking Ateneo's offense to maintain the lead and end the game with a six-point edge victory. It was an early barrage from the get-go as Matt Nieto and Aaron Black both scored seven points to gain an early advantage lead of 12 to enter the second quarter, 26-14.
Matt Nieto (Right) leading the offense for the Ateneo Blue Eagles against Aljun Melecio (Left) of La Salle. Photo by Arvin Lim of ABS-CBN Sports
The Green Archers had an early foul trouble coming into action-packed second canto because of the physicality displayed from both teams that resulted in a heated tension between Ben Mbala and Chiz Ikeh, but it was enough for La Salle to reduce the lead and trail by four to enter the half, 39-43. Aljun Melecio triggered the offense of the Green Archers to lead as much as two early in the third canto but Michael scored seven of his 11 total points for Ateneo.
Isaac Go’s three-point-play with 10 seconds remaining brought the Green Archers out of reach. Aljun Melecio led the Green archers with 24 points while Thirdy Ravena powered the Blue Eagles with 12 points. This is the sixth time these two teams played against each other in the UAAP Finals. The Blue Eagles will face the Green Archers again for game two on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Box scores: ADMU 76 – Ravena 12, Nieto Ma 11, Nieto Mi 11, Asistio 10, Tolentino 9, Black 7, Verano 5, Go 5, Ikeh 4, Tio 2, Mamuyac 0, Mendoza 0, Porter 0 DLSU 70 – Melecio 24, Rivero R 10, Mbala 8, Tratter 7, Santillan 7, Rivero P 7, Baltazar 4, Montalbo 3, Caracut 0, Go 0, Tero 0, Paraiso 0 Quarter scores:
26-14, 43-39, 60-58, 76-70