Ateneo tries to complete season sweep for third straight title; UST hopes for extension in Game 2

Brent Paraiso of UST goes against ADMU's Thirdy Ravena in Game 1 held last Saturday afternoon. PHOTO FROM UAAP

To sweep or not to sweep?

This is the question that will be answered today in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 82 men's basketball Finals which will be held Wednesday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Ateneo de Manila University is on the brink of capturing their third straight title after dismantling University of Santo Tomas, 91-77, in Game 1 of the best-of-three Finals last Saturday.

However, coach Tab Baldwin says the job is not yet done for the Blue Eagles.

"It's good to get the win, but we tend not to see that as a win. We see that as a first half of basketball," Baldwin said after drawing first blood against the Growling Tigers. "We just get a long halftime break while we get to prepare for the second half which is in your eyes, Game 2," he added.

For UST coach Aldin Ayo, they just have to be patient and properly execute their plans for today.

"We just want to be patient. I told the players that we just have to handle this loss the right way. That means going back to our videos and titignan namin kung ano yung mali. We have to correct them," he said.

Aside from getting their third straight men's basketball Finals should they win today, Ateneo will also be the first team to complete a historic season sweep in the Final Four era.

However, if UST will upset Ateneo, they will force a do-or-die Game 3 which will be held on Saturday.

Before the tipoff of the marquee matchup at 4 p.m., individual awards for men's and women's basketball events will be given. UST's Soulemane Chabiyo and Grace Irebu were named most valuable players for the men's and women's division, respectively.

The women's basketball Finals series between National University and University of Santo Tomas will commence at noontime before the awarding. — BAP, GMA News