Write-ups by Yoyo Sarmenta; Photos by Winston Baltasar

“The Ateneo Blue Eagles have drawn first blood in the UAAP Season 80 Finals.

Ateneo was able to outlast the defending champions De La Salle Green Archers, 76-70, on Saturday, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena to take Game 1 of the Finals. They are now one win away from being crowned UAAP champions.”

http://sports.tv5.com.ph/basketball/collegehoops/article/ateneo-clamps-down-on-mbala-takes-game-1-victory-over-la-salle

Ateneo’s stifling defense

Ben Mbala was double-teamed every time he held the ball.

Brothers in arms: Nieto twins fuel the Ateneo Blue Eagles by Yoyo Sarmenta

“Game 1 of the UAAP Season 80 finals belonged to the Ateneo Blue Eagles after they secured a 76-70 over the De La Salle Green Archers on Saturday night. Ateneo used a late push in the fourth quarter to now give them a 1-0 series lead in the best-of-three series.

There was a critical moment, however, that proved to be the difference for the Blue Eagles. In the closing moments of the second quarter, Ben Mbala inadvertently elbowed Matt Nieto in the face as he was spinning to the basket…”

Ben Mbala after Game 1 loss: ‘Expect me to be more aggressive offensively’ by Yoyo Sarmenta

Read more: http://sports.tv5.com.ph/basketball/collegehoops/article/ben-mbala-after-game-1-loss-expect-me-to-be-more-aggressive-offensively#ixzz4zWq2ToHV

Down, but not out: La Salle Green Archers determined to even series by Yoyo Sarmenta

The De La Salle Green Archers find themselves in unfamiliar territory as they head towards Game 2 of the UAAP Season 80 finals. For the first time under head coach Aldin Ayo, they are on the brink of elimination. As talented and as star-studded they may seem to be, they faltered in Game 1, losing 76-70, to the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

Read more: http://sports.tv5.com.ph/basketball/collegehoops/article/down-but-not-out-la-salle-green-archers-determined-to-even-series#ixzz4zjlXV2JH

Tab Baldwin anticipates tougher Game 2: ‘It’s the second battle of a long war’ by Yoyo Sarmenta

“The Ateneo Blue Eagles aren’t gonna let their guard down just because they struck first in the best-of-three UAAP Season 80 finals series against the De La Salle Green Archers.

Like all great teams, they know that closing out a team can be a tedious and arduous task. Plus, when you consider facing a squad like the Archers, it may even seem like you’re not ahead 1-0.”

Read more: http://sports.tv5.com.ph/basketball/collegehoops/article/tab-baldwin-anticipates-tougher-game-2-its-the-second-battle-of-a-long-war#ixzz4zjsFIUJeead more: http://sports.tv5.com.ph/basketball/collegehoops/article/tab-baldwin-anticipates-tougher-game-2-its-the-second-battle-of-a-long-war#ixzz4zjrRhQA0