After a 6 year drought, the Ateneo Blue Eagles are now back in the top, defeating the long time nemesis La Salle Green Archers, 62-51. Stingy-defense was the key to the victory for the Blue Eagles, as they limited the Archers with only 51 points, its the lowest output by La Salle this season. Chris Tiu, after a 2 point output in Game 1,scored 16 points, 14 of them in the first half as he was responsible of spearheading the attack. After leading 20-17, Chris Tiu unleashes a 7-0 run on his won giving Ateneo the lead 27-17. The Blue Eagles controlled the game and was championship-ready, as they made the largest lead of 15 points 41-26 at halftime. The Green Archers just refused ot give up as they made a huge comeback behind JV Casio and Rico Maeirhofer. The 5th year guard Casio unleashes five of his three pointers in the third quarter pushes La Salle within striking distance. Rico Maeirhofer, also made the damage in the third quarter, the Green Archers gained the momentum. With 1:31 to play in the third quarter, Maeirhofer got the second technical foul of waving a "dirty finger" with the disagreement from the La Salle bench. He was ejected in the game, still the Green Archers cut the deficit to 3 points, 47-50 by the end of the third quarter. In the 4th quarter, the Blue Eagles use their swarming defense, as they held on the lead. With Nonoy Baclao, making key defensive stops, blocking PJ Walsmham's and the offensive foul on JV Casio,the Eagles are roaring for the championship. Baclao was named the Finals MVP. Ateneo also Sswept the Indiviudual awards of the UAAP, Ateneo's Rabeh Al-Hussaini bagging the MVP, Ryan Buenafe for the Rookie of the Year and Nonoy Baclao hailed as the Defensive Player of the year.
