Hubert Cani scored 24 points, including a free throw that forged extra session, 86-all, with 32.2 seconds left and complete the Bullpups’ rally from 75-85 down with 3:00 left in regulation.
Cani also collected six rebounds, eight assists and three steals as NU, now unbeaten in 15 games after sweeping the elimination round to secure an outright Finals berth, moved a win away from its second title in three years.
The Bullpups, which capitalized on the Blue Eaglets’ 17 miscues with 19 turnover points, also got inspired efforts from Mark Dyke and Manuel Mosqueda. Dyke notched a double-double with 16 points and 20 rebounds while Mosqueda had 22 points.
Aaron Black’s game-high 30 points and season MVP Thirdy Ravena’s triple-double of 14 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists paced Ateneo attack. Ravena though, also committed seven errors.
Game 2 is on Wednesday at 1pm also at the San Juan Arena.