Ateneo sweeps UP, completes UAAP title repeat

The Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles are the kings of UAAP basketball once more.

With a superstar performance from wingman Thirdy Ravena, Ateneo defeated University of the Philippines, 99-81, in Game Two of their Season 81 finals series on Wednesday at Smart-Araneta Coliseum to win its second straight championship.

Thirdy Ravena drives to the basket against David Murrell in Game Two of the UAAP Season 81 men's basketball finals between Ateneo and UP on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Photo: Zeke Alonzo

Ravena finished with a career-high 38 points, including several big bombs from inside and out in the fourth quarter that doused water on every UP comeback attempt.

The Blue Eagles dominated early on behind its suffocating defense and steady ball movement, racing out to a 25-13 lead at the end of the first period.

Despite repeated rally attempts by UP, Ateneo held steady with its precise ball movement on offense and stingy defense to take a 48-37 lead at the half.

The Blue Eagles continued its dominance in the third period, leading by as much as 18 points several times before settling for a 70-56 advantage heading into the final quarter.

Ateneo put the finishing touches in the fourth period, with a Matt Nieto layup pushing the lead to as much as 22 points, 81-59, with less than seven minutes remaining.  —JST, GMA News