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BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – Ateneo Blue Eagles squandered an early lead before heading to a 76-70 victory over De La Salle Green Archers in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball finals yesterday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Ilonggo Thirdy Ravena led the way for Blue Eagles with 12 points. Brothers Matt and Mike Nieto chipped in with 11 points apiece while Anton Asistio contributed 10 markers, including two triples.
Ateneo can clinch its first UAAP men’s caging title since 2012 when it defeats the defending champion again in Game 2 on Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Blue Eagles waxed hot early for a 16-8 lead on baskets by Matt Nieto, Chibueze Ikeh and Vince Tolentino. De La Salle got close 13-16 but hits by Raffy Verano and Aaron Black extended Ateneo’s lead 26-14.
Blue Eagles was still up by 12 midway in the second quarter on hits by Tolentino when Green Archers went on a huge rally behind Aljun Melecio to come to within 39-43 at the half.
Ateneo raised the lead to 10 points early in the third on back-to-back treys by Asistio but De La Salle answered with a run to take the 55-54 edge.
Blue Eagles regained the advantage early in the fourth 69-59 on consecutive points by Mike Nieto. Green Archers had its last push, coming to within 70-71 on hits by Melecio and Benoit Mbala.
Ateneo countered with 5 straight points from Ravena and Isaac Go to extend the lead 76-70 with 10 seconds left in the game before seeing Green Archers attempting 3-point shots and misfiring.
Melecio top-scored with 24 points, including five 3-point baskets, while Ricci Rivero and Mbala struggled with 10 and 8 points, respectively, for Green Archers.
De La Salle hopes to force a do-or-die Game 3 on Dec. 3./PN
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