The current Ateneo roster is considered the most dominant team in collegiate basketball history
Photo by Tristan Tamayo
The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles held off the UST Growling Tigers, 85-79, in Game Two of the UAAP Season 82 Finals to win their third straight title. This championship marks the 11th for the university and the third consecutive crown as the Eagles went 16-0 throughout Season 82.
King Eagle Thirdy Ravena led Ateneo with 17 points and 7 rebounds. SJ Belangel, who shot 50 percent from the field, also came out big for the Eagles after scoring 15 points including five cold-blooded three-point shots.
The Eagles are the only men’s team in UAAP history to complete a sweep in the Final Four era. Led by coach Tab Baldwin, this team is considered the best team in collegiate basketball history.
Thirdy Ravena nabs third Finals MVP
Ravena secured his third UAAP Finals MVP after averaging 24.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists in the finals. In Game One, he erupted for 36 points in a remarkable 14-of-18 shooting performance. The graduating Atenean will exit the UAAP with three championships and three finals MVPs.
While it’s been a total team effort for the Blue Eagles all season long, their veterans Ravena, Matt and Mike Nieto, Adrian Go, and Issac Go paved the way for the team to achieve the most historic campaign in UAAP history.