Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Ateneo swingman Thirdy Ravena said La Salle’s vaunted pressure defense played a big factor in the Blue Eagles, most of whom are playing in their first finals, dropping Game 1 of their best-of-three Finals series Saturday.
“Na-intimidate siguro sa press ng La Salle (I think La Salle’s press defense intimidated us),” said Ravena, whose team shot 31 percent from the field and turned the ball over 16 times.
“La Salle in general is a very strong team and I don’t want to use this as an excuse but we’re young and we’re not used to this game of such magnitude.”
La Salle had a strong 16-2 start against Ateneo and the Blue Eagles had to crawl back.
Ateneo finally took the lead, 65-64, after Matt Nieto banked home a jumper with 34.6 seconds left.
That lead, however, lasted for only 19 seconds as Jeron Teng drove for a layup with 15.1 seconds remaining in the game to put La Salle up, 66-65.
The Green Archers held on to win, 67-65, to take a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 is on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.