Emman Monfort of Ateneo, surrounded by his teammates, lifts the 74th UAAP men's basketball trophy. (Andrew James Pamorada/FCF)
Domination completed.
Ateneo de Manila University made their mark in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines record books by capturing their team’s fourth straight men’s basketball championship on a damp Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Nico Salva was hailed Finals MVP after scoring 19.5 ppg on 78% FG shooting. (Andrew James Pamorada/FCF)
The Blue Eagles, led by series Most Valuable Player Nico Salva, wrapped up the best-of-three Finals by an 82-69 thumping of third-seeded Far Eastern University via a two-game sweep.
The former San Beda Red Cub finished with 15 points and 5 rebounds in Game 2, while averaging 19.5 ppg on 78% field goal shooting with 5.5 rpg for the series to nab the distinction. Kiefer Ravena, who was awarded as the Rookie of the Year prior to the match, led all Blue Eagles with 18 points and 6 rebounds.
Losing only one game throughout the UAAP season to Adamson University in their last elimination round playing date, the Katipunan high flyers won their seventh title overall since entering the league in 1978-79, tying De La Salle University for the fourth spot in the list of multi-titled men’s basketball programs in the conference.
Just like in Game 1, both squads engaged in a series of runs through the first half until the Blue and White finally broke away in the third period on the strength of a 12-0 run that was completed in the 3:55 mark of the quarter that deflated the Tams’ fighting spirits.
In that quarter, the Tamaraws shot an atrocious 3-for-16 (19%) from the field, which inevitably spelled their doom.
Aldrech Ramos fought a gallant stand, scoring 20 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in his final UAAP game. RR Garcia put up 16 points and 4 assists, while Mike Tolomia and Terrence Romeo each added 7 points apiece in a losing effort.
Only three schools (ADMU, DLSU, and University of Santo Tomas) have annexed four consecutive men’s titles during the Final Four era. No team has come close to University of the East’s title streak of seven from 1965 to 1971, which includes a shared title with UST in 1967.
More so, the “Hail Mary” squad broke the so-called “host’s jinx” and won the men’s title during their hosting year.
Check the game photos here
BOX SCORES – GAME 2
ATENEO (82): Ravena 18, Salva 15, Slaughter 11, Tiongson 11, Monfort 9, Gonzaga 6, Long 5, Chua 5, Erram 2, Pessumal 0, Sumalinog 0, Golla 0, Austria 0
FAR EASTERN (69): Ramos 20, Garcia 16, Tolomia 7, Romeo 7, Escoto 4, Bringas 4, Exciminiano 4, Foronda 3, Cruz 2, Noundou 2, Pogoy 0, Mendoza 0, Knuttel 0
Quarters: 23-18, 35-36, 57-45, 82-69
