Blue Eagles down Green Archers, sweep first round
ATENEO de Manila University had to sweat to University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 men’s basketball tournament.
The Blue Eagles needed a crucial defensive stop and two clutch free throws from Matt Nieto in the dying seconds to upstage their bitter rivals De La Salle University on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Leading 75-74, the Green Archers were one inbound away from completing a comeback but Caracut near center court that was tapped by Nieto to give Ateneo the possession with 9.1 ticks left.
Nieto completed his heroics after sinking two pressure-packed free throws off Montalbo’s foul to put the Blue Eagles ahead, 76-75, with 3.9 seconds left.
La Salle had two chances to steal the game but Ben Mbala forced his shot and a follow-up by Montalbo after grabbing the loose ball was short, as the Ateneo crowd erupted in jubilation.
“It was a ( typical) Ateneo- La Salle game. Both teams played hard and we thought La Salle wanted it more but our defense in the last seconds helped us to grind this out,” said Blue Eagles head coach Sandy Arespacochaga.
“We are happy we came up with the win. It was really a tough game,” he added.
Nieto led Ateneo with 16 points while Anton Asistio and Jolo Mendoza added 14 and 10