Ateneo takes Game One over UST, moves closer to fifth straight crown

InterAKTV · Saturday, October 6, 2012 · 5:45 pm

InterAKTV file photo/Roy Afable

Ateneo used a monster second half start before relying on its championship composure in the endgame to upend University of Santo Tomas, 83-78, in Game One of the UAAP Season 75 finals Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Nico Salva scored 30 points to lead the Blue Eagles, which moved a win away from winning its fifth straight title.
Ateneo opened the third quarter with an 17-0 run that turned a 38-31 halftime deficit into a 48-38 lead. The defending champions ended the third quarter with a 61-51 lead.
But the Tigers came roaring back to start the fourth period, rattling off a 13-2 run capped by a dunk by Karim Abdul to take the lead briefly, 64-63.
It was a close ballgame for most of the rest of the game, as the two teams exchanged big baskets. A layup by Jeric Teng put UST within one point, 71-70, before the Blue Eagles rattled off a 10-2 run that gave them a comfortable 81-72 margin.
But Teng hit back-to-back three-pointers for the Tigers to move them back within striking distance with just 30 seconds left. Kiefer Ravena, however, dribbled down the clock before hitting a dagger with eight seconds left to seal the game for the Blue Eagles.
Aljon Mariano led UST with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/ateneo-takes-game-one-over-ust-moves-closer-to-fifth-straight-crown