Thirdy Ravena. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
ANTIPOLO—Ateneo is living in the moment.
The Blue Eagles have been nothing short of dominant in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament having racked up a 12-0 record to hold their spot atop the standings.
With just two games to go, Ateneo has a chance to sweep the elimination round–a feat the storied school has never done.
“That’s something we really try to focus on as much as we can because once we play right, every thing else will follow for us,” said Ravena after Ateneo’s 84-50 win over University of the East Sunday at Ynares Center here.
The last time Ateneo came close to a sweep was two seasons ago when it went 13-0 but only to lost to La Salle in the final game of the eliminations.
The Blue Eagles may not have snagged the sweep but they still won the title in that year after beating the Green Archers in the finals.
Ravena draws added motivation to get the sweep knowing that he and three of his teammates are graduating after this season.
Isaac Go, Nieto twins Mike and Matt, and Ravena are all in their final year and are eligible for the next PBA Draft, but completing a 14-0 record heading into the Final Four won’t happen if one of them is not locked in on the immediate goal.
“We can’t achieve the sweep if one person is not focused,” said Ravena, who’s one of the most highly-touted prospects this year.
“Us graduating seniors won’t be able to have another chance at this sweep and this is something we need to focus on.”