INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) De La Salle Zobel forged a rubber match against rival Ateneo after a 57-53 victory in Game 2 of the UAAP juniors basketball championships Tuesday at the Arena in San Juan.

La Salle’s 6-foot-8 center Arnold Van Opstal’s shot broke a 53-all tie with 33 seconds left. Ateneo anchored its ensuing possession on go-to guy Kiefer Ravena, who slashed to the basket but hesitated at the last minute as the Eaglets lost ball possession.

Forward Gwyne Capacio, who led the Junior Archers with 19 points, sank two more throws in the final seconds to secure the win and extend the best-of-three finals series.

The Eaglets started strong and ended the first half with a 32-23 cushion. But the Junior Archers crawled their way back in the second half as they managed to contain Ravena, who scored only six points.

Ravena torched La Salle in Game 1 pouring in 33 points to lead Ateneo to an 80-73 win. In Game 2, Raphael Banal led the Eaglets with 19 points.

Prior to Game 2, the UAAP handed out major awards for this year.

FEU’s Terrence Romeo, who set a record 83 points this season, was declared this season’s Most Valuable Player. Joining him in the Mythical Five are Capacio, Ravena, Kyle Neypes of University of Santo Tomas and Kevin Villanueva of University of the Philippines.

Kevin Ferrer of UST was named Rookie of the Year.

The Scores:
DLSZ-57 Capacio 19, Van Opstal 10, Elorde 9, Dela Paz 7, Herrera 6, Sevilla 4, Fortuna 2

ADMU-53 Banal 19, Bugarin 11, Ravena 6, Pessumal 4, Pe 4, Capacio 4, Reyes 3, Romero 2