Ateneo beats La Salle and Wins the UAAP Season 71 Championship (62~51)

The Ateneo Blue Eagles led all the way but it was a pressure packed match. La Salle’s championship experience and determination was so evident that the game could have ended either way. From a high 15 points, the lead went down to 6 at the end of the 3rd quarter of Game 2 in the best of three (finals) and the momentum seemed to have shifted for De la Salle.

Pressure, however, proved to be too much, despite Ateneo’s limited field goals, La Salle was unable to take advantage and got into foul trouble. The Blue Eagles was able to add points only via free throws, but La Salle sunk only one desperate shot. When the game was left with only a little more than 2 minutes, the 2nd of De la Salle’s best players fouled out and it became an easy game for Ateneo. La Salle was able to sink only one shot after that and their desperation became very magnified.

The win gave the Ateneo the first 4th consecutive win over arch rival De la Salle (in Basketball) and only one loss in the entire UAAP Season 71.

Atenean Nonoy Baclao was given the most valuable player award for the championship games.