Ateneo says UP really deserves to be in ‘Battle of Katipunan’ finals

It took almost 37 minutes of basketball action before the Ateneo Blue Eagles were able to assure themselves of a win against the UP Fighting Maroons.

For Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arrespacochaga, the effort it took to win the match was proof that UP deserved to be in the UAAP Season 81 Finals.

"We said that whoever wins the series will be a good match up for us and we've got to make sure that we play offensive and defensive games for us in order for us to win," Arrespacochaga explained.

"Coming to this game, we were aware of that and certainly, UP showed that they really deserve to be in the Finals. They played well."

Ateneo's Thirdy Ravena also praised UP for making a match of it.

"First off, I want to say that I have nothing but respect for UP. Coming into the Finals, we know that they're still on the momentum sa series nila versus Adamson." Ravena, who made 21 points in the game, said.

"Pinakita nila na deserving sila sa Finals. At the end of the day, [sa] breaks of the game lang kaya nakaalagwa kami nung huli but it was a tough game."

Ravena also narrated that after UP's Bright Akhuetie made a comeback in the game, they knew that UP was going to it their all.

"Nung pumasok si Bright, alam namin na mas gaganahan sila na mas bibigay nila pa kay Bright. Kasi alam nila nasaktan siya. We just have to be ready for it. Alam namin na lalaban sila," Ravena said.

"They're not going  to make it easy for us," he emphasized.

Ravena was well aware that the series was not over, and they still needed to come in focused for the second game.

"We just have to go back, prepare, just focus as a team." — DVM, GMA News