UP falters to Ateneo in UAAP Finals Game 2

NO sweet sweep for UP.

The Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles halted Wednesday the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons’ sweep-game campaign, 65-55, in Game 2 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 Men’s Basketball Finals.

The UP Fighting Maroons are eyeing a back-to-back win in order to defend their 36-year in-the-making title.

Ateneo’s Ange Kouame led the Blue Eagle’s triumph with 19 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and three blocks, while Kainoa Bryson Ballungay scored 15 with five rebounds, and one point for block and steal.

Meanwhile, the UP Fighting Maroons struggled to keep up with the Eagles as Carl Tamayo scored 15 points with three rebounds and one point for steal and block while JD Cagulangan with 11 points, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

UP’s Zavier Lucero’s left knee suffered an injury with 8:31 left in the fourth quarter.

He was helped off the court leaving his teammates battling with their Katipunan foe. Before his injury, he scored six points with 11 rebounds, two assists, and one point for stealing and blocking.

More than 20,000 spectators watched the “Battle of Katipunan Schools” at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, UAAP officials estimate.

With Ateneo winning game 2 of the season finals, it forced UP to face-off against its rival school in a best-of-three series. The do-or-die game will be held on December 19 at the Araneta Coliseum.

photos courtesy UAAP