By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

THE Ateneo Blue Eagles try to sweep their way to the title of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) when they trek back for Game Two against rivals and defending champions De La Salle Green Archers in their best-of-three series today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Holding the upper hand after fashioning out a gutsy 76-70 victory in the series-opener last Saturday, the Katipunan-based Eagles use the first of two attempts they have to close out things and return to the top of UAAP men’s basketball after five years.

In Game One played at the Mall of Asia Arena, Ateneo relied on a total team effort to take control much of the contest and stave off the fight that the Archers put up especially down the stretch.

Thirdy Ravena led Ateneo’s even-keel attack with 12 points, six rebounds and four assists.

Mike Nieto came off the bench to provide much-needed firepower, scoring all of his 11 points in the second half, while twin brother Matt overcame a cut left eye brow to add 11 as well.

Anton Asistio finished with 10 points with veteran Vince Tolentino and Aaron Black adding nine and seven points, respectively.

Defensively, the Eagles, too, were on top of things, limiting in particular league most valuable player Ben Mbala to just eight points and the whole La Salle team to just 70.

Despite having the series lead and feeling happy with the way they handled themselves in the opener despite the short turnaround from the semifinals, the Eagles fully recognize that their work is still cut out for them and that they have to take the fight to the Archers if they are to emerge triumphant.

“I thought we fought with much tenacity and character in today’s (Game One) game and those were big. But I don’t expect we’ll have it easy going into Wednesday’s game. It’s the second battle of a long war,” said Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin in a short interview session with the media after their Game One win.

STICK TO THE GAME PLAN
For La Salle, it admitted to being outplayed in the first game and vowed to come back better in Game Two.

“We had problems with our communication on the court and we were not able to execute our game plan especially in the fourth quarter,” said guard Aljun Melecio, who led La Salle in Game One with 24 points, as he explained what partly did it for them in the loss.

He nonetheless insisted that all is not lost for them and they just have to take care of business in Game Two and take it from there.

“Better to lose now early so as to be able to make the adjustments moving forward,” said Melecio.

Mbala, meanwhile, said he looks to be more aggressive in the second game, especially on offense to better position himself at helping the team more.

“Expect me to be aggressive in Game Two. They held me to eight points and credit to them. But it’s only Game One and we have to bounce back. We have to stick to our game plan… Obviously when we lose the next game it’s over. So we just have to go out there and play and get the win,” said Mbala.

In the event that Ateneo wins today, it will be its ninth UAAP title, tying La Salle for fourth place.

Meanwhile, prior to the start of Game Two today, Mbala will officially receive his second consecutive league MVP award in a scheduled ceremony.

The Cameroonian national player averaged 26 points, 13.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 2.5 blocks in the elimination round to run away with the award.

Joining Mbala in the Mythical Five selection are Ateneo’s Ravena, La Salle’s Ricci Rivero, Alvin Pasaol of the University of the East and Jayjay Alejandro of National University.

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