#UAAP79 Finals Roundup: Green Archers clinch ninth men’s crown!

Jeron Teng ends his UAAP playing days a champion once again.

The De La Salle Green Archers did it. Pegged as heavy favorites for the entire season, the Taft quintet fulfilled their potential by completing a series sweep of arch-rival Ateneo de Manila to clinch the UAAP Season 79  men’s basketball title — their second in four years and ninth overall. 

Here are comprehensive game recaps (adapted from Interaksyon): 

DLSU over ADMU, 79-72
Box scores. 

The De La Salle Green Archers completed their quest for the UAAP Season 79 championship as they edged arch-rival Ateneo, 79-72, in Game 2 of the finals on Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

#UAAP79 Finals Roundup: Green Archers move one away from title!

Ben Mbala led DLSU to a 1-0 series lead in the #UAAP79 Finals.

The De La Salle Green Archers had to weather a spirited rally by bitter rivals Ateneo to prevail in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 79 Men’s Basketball Finals. DLSU is now needs to get just one more win to notch their ninth UAAP Seniors’ Division hoops crown.

Here are comprehensive game recaps (adapted from Interaksyon): 

DLSU over ADMU, 67-65
Box scores. 

The De La Salle Green Archers needed to play until the final possession before they could finally put away their hard-fighting rivals Ateneo but got the job done, 67-65, to claim Game One of the UAAP Season 79 Finals on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The DLSU Green Archers definitely redeemed themselves and are inches away from that Championship title, 67-65! Player of the game is @JeronAlvinTeng, with a statline of 10pts 4rebs 3assts 1blk. Don't miss the finals game 2 on Wednesday, December 7, 3pm at the Big Dome! See you there! 🏀 #Mayhem #UAAPLXXIX #UAAPSeason79 #UAAPDareToDream

A photo posted by ABS-CBN Sports (@abscbn_sports) on Dec 3, 2016 at 2:43am PST

Despite La Salle jumping out to a huge first quarter lead, Ateneo was able to take the lead in the final minute but Jeron Teng made the go-ahead basket with 15 seconds.

Ben Mbala scored 20 points to lead the Green Archers while Teng scored 10 markers, including the clutch layup that put La Salle in the lead, alongside four rebounds and three assists.

DLSU now leads the series, 1-0, and is one game away from winning the championship.

Aaron Black was the only Ateneo player in double-figures with a dozen markers.

🎉🏹

A photo posted by Go Archers (@goarchers) on Dec 3, 2016 at 5:32am PST

Lines of the Game:
Ben Mbala (DLSU) - 20pts, 15rebs, 2stls, 1ast, 1blk.
Aaron Black (ADMU) - 12pts, 8rebs, 3asts, 2 triples.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:



All images are by Roy Afable.

PHOTO GALLERY HERE.


FOR MORE UAAP SEASON 79 ACTION, CHECK OUT OUR #UAAP79 ROUNDUPS!

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#UAAP79 Roundup: Ateneo wins Battle of Katipunan as DLSU survives UE on Day 11!

Images by Josh Albelda/ABSCBN Sports.

Day 11 had Ateneo beating UP in the first round of Battle of Katipunan this season, while the Green Archers had to stave off the stubborn Red Warriors in the main game.

Here are comprehensive game recaps (adapted from Interaksyon): 

ADMU over UP, 79-64
Box scores. 

The Ateneo Blue Eagles allowed a gutsy UP team to hang around for three quarters before putting them away in the fourth for a 79-64 victory in UAAP Season 79 play on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Thirdy Ravena led the way for Ateneo with 22 points, 10 rebounds and three assists as the Blue Eagles improved to 4-2 for the season, good for solo second place behind only undefeated La Salle (5-0).

The Games That Play Us: We Go Anyway

(Image by Roget Callueng/HoopNut)

*This was composed on Monday, October 3, 2016.


Sometimes, we don’t know where we’re going, but we go anyway. 

That’s the feeling I have with the S79 version of the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles. 

This edition of the Blue and White feels like an exercise in spontaneity — it feels equal parts exhilarating (like when Thirdy Ravena and Aaron Black exploded on the UST Growling Tigers on opening weekend), exasperating (like when the same Ravena and Black combo sputtered against the NU Bulldogs in their next game), rousing (like when Ateneo put together back-to-back wins to move into solo second spot last week), and despairing (like when De La Salle opened the Eagles up like a can of sardines yesterday). 

#UAAP79 The Good and the Bad: Ateneo vs De La Salle - October 2, 2016

The Ateneo Blue Eagles tried their best to slow down Ben Mbala and the De La Salle Green Archers. Only ADMU stood in the way of a first round sweep for the boys in green. Unfortunately, even the suspension of Coach Ayo and injury of Jeron Teng could not prevent DLSU from running allover the Blue Eagles. 

Ben Mbala could not be stopped

The BAD

• ADMU could not solve the Mayhem press defense; they scrambled and panicked often
• They had 30 turnovers which led to 33 turnover points for DLSU
• Only 2 fast break points for the Eagles which meant they could not break the press
• Ateneo was called for 3 unsportsmanlike fouls (Ravena, Tolentino, Matt Nieto) 
• Mike Nieto struggled with his jumper (1 of 7)
• Ben Mbala dominated with 28 points, 13 rebounds, 5 steals and 1 block
• Andrei Caracut scored 14 points and was +41 
• Chiz Ikeh had 7 points and 5 boards but was -43
• DLSU recorded 16 steals while ADMU had only 4
• La Salle was awarded 21 of 33 free throws, ADMU just 14 of 24
• Points in the paint were 54-28 for DLSU
• Mbala had 3 monstrous dunks including a wicked alley-oop 

Mbala made sure that everyone would remember his ferocious alley-oop dunk

The GOOD

• The score was tied at 20 after the 1st quarter
• ADMU had their biggest lead at 26-20, then it went downhill afterwards 
• Perimeter shooting was clicking at 13 of 28 from downtown 
• Ravena had 10 points in the first half, but only 1 point in the 2nd 
• Ravena had a double-double of 11 and 11 (his 2nd of the season)
• Kris Porter hit 2 threes and had 6 points in less than 9 minutes
• Matt Nieto went down hard and appeared to hurt his knee BUT he came back to play and he was solid with 13 points and 2 threes
• Ateneo had more assists 20-17
• Eagles were only out-rebounded by 8
• ADMU had more bench points, 44-35 

Final Thoughts 

Ateneo battled and tried their best. They kept it close for one period, but that was it. DLSU is just too deep, too fast, too big and too strong right now. Ben Mbala is unstoppable. He can probably play in the PBA as an import. 

Still, ADMU should be happy with their 4-3 record after the first round. They are certainly in the hunt for a final four slot. 

Hopefully, they continue to improve because they can beat the other schools except La Salle. 

Lastly, Aaron Black did not play and we all hope that we receive good news regarding his leg/foot injury. #OBF


Click HERE for more game photos between Ateneo vs La Salle! 

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#UAAP79 Game Photos from Ateneo vs De La Salle - October 2, 2016

Jason Perkins had a productive 2nd game of the season

Thirdy Ravena and the Blue Eagles had difficulties breaking the press defense of DLSU

Matt Nieto shook off a knee injury to finish with 13 points

Abu Tratter made sure Jeron Teng's absence was barely felt

Prince Rivero saw some minutes off the bench

Thomas Torres had 8 points and 8 rebounds

Adrian Wong led ADMU with 15 points

Ben Mbala had a spectacular alley-oop jam

Mbala dominated with 28 points and 13 rebounds

Ateneo's coaching staff had no answers

Mike Nieto struggled to hit shots all game long

ADMU tried many things to slow down Big Ben

See you in Round 2

                                               ***All photos by ROGET CALLUENG***

#UAAP79 Roundup: Tamaraws slip past Maroons and Bulldogs outlast Tigers on Day 10!

Images from Richard Esguerra/ABSCBN Sports.

Day 10 saw the FEU Tamaraws escape the upset axe against the UP Fighting Maroons, while the NU Bulldogs scrambled to beat the UST Growling Tigers.

Here are comprehensive game recaps (adapted from Interaksyon): 

FEU over UP, 51-49
Box scores. 

The FEU Tamaraws needed to fend off a gutsy effort by the UP Fighting Maroons to notch a 51-49 win in UAAP Season 79 action Sunday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Monbert Arong scored 14 points and made crucial baskets down the stretch to help FEU (3-2) pick up its second straight win.

#UAAP79 Roundup: Archers shoot down Falcons and Eagles swoop down on Red Warriors on Day 9!

Images by Arvin Lim/ABSCBN Sports.

Day 9 had the DLSU Green Archers remain unbeaten after they shot down the Adamson Soaring Falcons. The Ateneo Blue Eagles, meanwhile, got back on the winning track by cruising past the UE Red Warriors.

Here are comprehensive game recaps (adapted from Interaksyon): 

DLSU over ADU, 91-75
Box scores. 

The De La Salle Green Archers cruised to another big win, disposing of the No. 2 team Adamson, 91-75, as they picked up a fifth consecutive win in UAAP Season 79 on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Ben Mbala dominated again with 21 points on 9-for-11 shooting alongside 16 rebounds and three blocks for La Salle, which furthered its lead atop the standings.

#UAAP79 Roundup: Maroons beat Warriors and Falcons silence Bulldogs on Day 8!

Images from Arvin Lim/ABSCBN Sports.

Day 8 saw the UP Fighting Maroons finally break into the win column at UE’s expense even as Adamson outshot the NU Bulldogs!

Here are comprehensive game recaps (adapted from Interaksyon):

UP over UE, 75-71
Box scores. 

The UP Fighting Maroons picked up its first win of UAAP Season 79 after a strong showing against UE, 75-71, on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Jett Manuel and Paul Desiderio each had 17 points to lead UP, which improved to 1-3 for the season while keeping the Red Warriors winless at 0-4.

#UAAP79 Roundup: Archers survive Bulldogs while Tamaraws gore Red Warriors on Day 7!

Day 7 of #UAAP79 saw DLSU nearly get upset by NU while FEU bounced back with a win over UE.

Here are comprehensive game recaps (adapted from Interaksyon):

DLSU over NU, 75-66
Box scores. 

The De La Salle Green Archers got tested by the gritty NU Bulldogs, needing to erase a nine-point deficit in the second half to come up with a 75-66 win in UAAP Season 79 action Sunday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Jeron Teng finished with 23 points while Ben Mbala collected 16 markers and 15 boards as the Green Archers improved to 4-0.

#UAAP79 Roundup: Falcons claw Eagles while Tigers maul Maroons on Day 6!

Images by Josh Albelda/ABSCBN.

Day 6 of #UAAP79 saw Ateneo lose to Adamson thanks to a game-winning jumper from Dawn Ochea, while UST kept UP winless, 83-77.

Here are comprehensive game recaps (adapted from Interaksyon):

UST over UP, 83-77
Box scores. 

The UST Growling Tigers needed to put down a late rally from the gutsy UP Fighting Maroons as they clinched a 83-77 victory in UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball action on Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

#UAAP79 Roundup: Day 5 sees Ateneo upset FEU and DLSU thrash UST!

Day 5 of #UAAP79 saw the Ateneo Blue Eagles upset the FEU Tamaraws even as the DLSU Green Archers outclassed the UST Growling Tigers.

Here are comprehensive game recaps (adapted from Interaksyon):

ADMU over FEU, 76-71
Box scores. 

The Ateneo Blue Eagles traded big runs with FEU but got some crucial plays down the stretch as they clinched a hard-fought 76-71 victory over the defending champion Tamaraws in UAAP Season 79 action on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

#UAAP79 The Good and the Bad: ADMU vs FEU - September 14, 2016

The Ateneo Blue Eagles earned an impressive victory over the defending champions, FEU Tamaraws, yesterday at the MOA Arena. The Eagles started strong as they ended the first quarter with an 8-point lead and their biggest advantage was at 13 points. They had the advantage for most of the game even without the injured Aaron Black.  

However, the Tams cannot be discounted because they made a run during the 4th quarter. They managed to tie the game at 66 apiece with about 2 minutes left but Thirdy Ravena and Anton Asistio closed the door on the comeback attempt by FEU. 

So, the Ateneans won the game 76-71. Great effort and excellent team win. 

Well, here are my observations after that game...

Asistio and Ravena celebrated their win over FEU

(Image from: Arvin Lim)

#UAAP79 The Good and the Bad: ADMU vs NU - September 11, 2016

The Ateneo Blue Eagles tried their hardest to finish the game vs the NU Bulldogs with a 2-0 record, and a share of the tournament lead. However, the Bulldogs exhibited tough defense and they showed us why they are considered a final four team. ADMU kept it tied during the first half but was unable to keep up with NU after the halftime break. The Bulldogs won, 70-60, to have a share of the lead with DLSU at the top of the standings. 

Well, here are my observations after Ateneo's second game...

This Wong block was the highlight of the game for ADMU

#UAAP79 Game Photos from ADMU vs NU - September 11, 2016

Adrian Wong (3) with the highlight block on Josh Sinclair (9)

Rev Diputado (5) burned the Eagles all game long

J-Jay Alejandro (7) contributed 8 points and 7 rebounds for NU

Thirdy Ravena (0) struggled to hit baskets 

Anton Asistio (4) started for ADMU

Alfred Aroga (19) shot 7 of 10 free throws 

ADMU recorded 9 blocks and held NU to 41% shooting

NU's defense held Ravena to 2 points on 1 of 6 shooting

Asistio had 8 points on 3 of 11 shooting

The Eagles shot 36% from the field

Mike Nieto (7) led ADMU with a career-high 14 points

Wong and ADMU played good defense but their offense faltered

Aroga shot poorly from the floor (2 of 9)

Aaron Black had a bad game with just 4 points

***All photos by ROGET CALLUENG***

#UAAP79 Roundup: UST, DLSU, FEU, and NU are big winners on Days 3 and 4!

Image by Arvin Lim/ABSCBN Sports.

Days 3 and 4 of #UAAP79 saw DLSU and NU move up to 2-0, while UST and FEU got good bounce back wins after separate opening game losses.

Here are comprehensive game recaps (adapted from Interaksyon):

UST over UE, 88-87
Box scores. 

The UST Growling Tigers needed to make some big plays in the endgame as they held off a late UE run to preserve a big comeback win over the Red Warriors, 88-87, in UAAP Season 79 action on Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

#UAAP79 Roundup: Bulldogs repulse UE and Archers survive FEU on Day 2!

Day 2 of #UAAP79 was full of action as NU leaned on their size against UE, while DLSU’s deadly duo of Ben Mbala and Jeron Teng came to fore in their win over bitter rival FEU.

Here are comprehensive game recaps (adapted from Interaksyon):

NU over UE, 72-66
Box scores. 

The NU Bulldogs leaned on some steady play in the end-game to outlast the UE Red Warriors, 72-66, in UAAP Season 79 action Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

#UAAP79 The Good and the Bad: ADMU vs UST

The opening of UAAP Season 79 last Sunday delivered contrasting results. The first game between Adamson and UP ended in a blowout while the Blue Eagles edged the Growling Tigers 73-69 in a mostly tight affair.

Anyway, my focus will be on the second game. Here are some observations from the game between Ateneo and UST.

The Blue Eagles and Growling Tigers prepare for tip off 

#UAAP79 Roundup: Soaring Falcons shoot down Maroons and Eagles outlast Tigers on Day 1!

The Men’s Basketball Tournament wars opened yesterday with a big bang as Adamson put on a shooting clinic against overmatched UP, while Ateneo leaned on a pair of second-generation hoopsters to notch win #1 at the expense of host UST.

Here are comprehensive game recaps (adapted from Interaksyon):

ADU over UP, 104-85
Box scores.

Previewing the #UAAP79 Men’s Basketball Tournament

(Image is from ABSCBN Sports)

I’m super excited for the 79th season of the UAAP to finally unfurl tomorrow. Of course, the centerpiece event is men’s basketball, where FEU will try to defend its crown against all comers, especially the consensus favorite, DLSU. Most teams will be in a state of change this season, with the Archers, Falcons, Eagles, Maroons, and Tigers all having new coaches. A good number of the teams have also lost significantly talented players, and a curious crop of rookies has lit up the fire in couch potato pundits everywhere. In short, it’s shaping up to be a pretty fun season for men’s hoops. Let’s hope it stays that way!