By Sherlyn Paleg
QUEZON CITY - The Ateneo Blue Eagles drubbed the UST Growling Tigers in their first UAAP finals match up, 91-77, Saturday night, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Blue Eagles' hands were on fire to the point that they didn't let the Growling Tigers score in the first 2 mins of first canto.
The second quarter was in favor of the Growling Tigers, who got the chance to down their opponent, trimming the lead down to three, but Ateneo recovered from it with SJ Belangel and Thirdy Ravena's back to back points.
As the second half started, the Eagles didn't let the Tigers get close again. They controlled the whole game and drowned UST to finished strong and win the game one of the finals.
Almost half of Ateneo's score came from the graduating forward, Thirdy Ravena, who chipped in 32 points, 14/18 field goals, five rebounds and three assists. Ange Kouame and SJ Belangel also chipped in 18 and 12 points for Ateneo's win.
Chabi Yo who is reportedly sick, still managed to contribute 13 points, 6/13 field goals, 10 rebounds and a steal. Mark Nonoy also had his career high with 26 points, 9/18 field goals, and five rebounds.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles are one step closer to the their three-peat goal, while the Growling Tigers will try to stop Ateneo's reign on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena and force a do-or-die game.
BOX SCORES
ATENEO 91 - Ravena 32, Kouame 18, Belangel 12, Mamuyac 9, Navarro 6, Nieto Mi 5, Nieto Ma 5, Wong 3, Daves 2, Andrade 0, Go 0, Maagdenberg 0, Mallillin 0.
UST 77 - Nonoy 26, Paraiso 14, Chabi Yo 13, Subido 8, Cansino 4, Abando 3, Concepcion 3, Ando 2, Bataller 2, Huang 2.
Quarterscores: 32-17, 54-39, 76-58, 91-77.
Follow her on Twitter: @jsmpaleg
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