The Ateneo Blue Eagles claimed their third consecutive UAAP championship, overcoming the UST Growling Tigers, 86-79, in Game 2 of the finals at the Mall of Asia Arena Wednesday.
The Tigers played with more resolve, but the Blue Eagles could not be denied in a rare 16-0 season en route to their 11th title overall.
CJ Cansino’s jumper put UST within a point with 7:50 left in the fourth quarter, after the Tigers fell behind by as much as 16 earlier in the game.
But SJ Belangel, who drilled five triples for a career-high 15 points, made a three followed by a Thirdy Ravena jumper to halt UST’s momentum.
Ateneo went hot early, outscoring UST in the first quarter, 31-18.
The Blue Eagles also had a 44-34 advantage in inside points despite Angelo Kouame’s early foul trouble and UST’s 45-43 rebounding edge.
Finals MVP Thirdy Ravena tallied 17 markers, while Matt Nieto added 14 points.
Rhenz Abando led UST with 16 points.
Rookie of the Year Mark Nonoy contributed 14 points, while season MVP Soulemane Chabi Yo had 11 markers and 19 rebounds.
