How Ateneo beat La Salle

The Ateneo Blue Eagles defeated the De La Salle Green Archers on Saturday to take Game 1 of the UAAP men’s basketball finals at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

The Eagles led most the game, stretching their advantage to as many as 13 points. Below are the most notable figures from their victory.

Chiz Ikeh of Ateneo goes for a one handed shot during their game 1 Finals in the UAAP Season 80 Basketball Tournament in MOA Arena on Saturday. Photo: KC Cruz

8: Ateneo limited Ben Mbala to a career-low 8 points on a 3 of 8 shooting clip in over 31 minutes on the floor.

4: The number of Blue Eagles in double figures, led by Third Ravena with 12 markers. Brothers Matt and Mike Nieto tallied 11 each, while Anton Asistio scored 10.

18: The number of fouls Ateneo big men committed. Chi Ikeh fouled out after having to try to deny Mbala in the paint, while Mike Nieto, Isaac Go, and Raffy Verano also took turns shadowing the towering Cameroonian.

24: Aljun Melecio top scored for DLSU with 24 points, but the pint-sized gunner went for 3 of 10 in the final 10 minutes to finish the game with an 8 of 19 clip.

2: The number of points DLSU top scorers Ben Mbala and Ricci Rivero scored, respectively, in the fourth period.

27: Ateneo shot just 27 percent from deep, with usually-deadly gunners Anton Asistio and Matt Nieto combining for just 3 of 12 from beyond the arc.

Game 2 will be at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday. — LA, GMA News