Ateneo flexes muscles in game 2, sweeps UP for back-to-back UAAP titles

MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo displayed its championship caliber and clobbered University of the Philippines, 99-81, in Game 2 to claim the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball title Wednesday.

The Blue Eagles collected their second straight crown and 10th overall, cementing their dominance in the last decade with seven championships in 10 years.

Ateneo wasted no time pulling away from a determined UP side, which is in its first title appearance in more than three decades, in Game 2, going on a 17-5 run to take a 25-13 lead after Isaac Go’s transition triple.

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Led by an inspired showing from Thirdy Ravena, the defending champions took total control of the game in the second half, leading by as much as 22 early in fourth as they fended off every attempt of the Maroons to get momentum.

Ravena was a man on a mission finishing with 38 points, five rebounds, six assists, and three steals for his second straight Finals MVP plum.

The fourth year forward went mental in the fourth quarter scoring 18 points, including nine that came from beyond the arc, as he effectively put the Fighting Maroons to bed.

“All praise to God and I want to thank the players, they’re a marvelous team, and they’re a joy to work with,” said Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin. “I’m blessed to work with them.”

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“Our priority is to do everything with dignity and class and that’s the servant hood we want to do with the team.”

Angelo Kouame also had a big game for the Blue Eagles with 22 points, 21 rebounds, and two blocks.

Juan Gomez De Liaño finished with 24 points and eight boards while season MVP Bright Akhuetie had 19 points and seven rebounds.

The Blue Eagles claimed a tight Game 1 with an 88-79 win last Saturday.