Thirdy Ravena makes 32, Ateneo draws first blood vs. UST in Finals match

The Ateneo de Manila University is now one win away from their third straight crown after dominating the University of Santo Tomas, 91-77, in the UAAP Season 82 men's basketball Finals, Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Despite Mark Nonoy's triples to save the day for the España-based squad, it was already too much to handle as Ateneo continued storming the Tigers in the final period to take Game 1.

Thirdy Ravena (0) attempts a shot past Brent Paraiso (3) during their UAAP Season 82 men's basketball finals game on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Ateneo Blue Eagles won over the UST Growling Tigers, 91-77. Photo courtesy: UAAP

Two-time Finals MVP Thirdy Ravena posted 32 points in the game, 14 of which were made in the third period to widen Ateneo's lead at the end of the quarter, 76-58. The Eagles made their biggest lead of the game in this period, 23 points, 66-43 at the 4:31 mark.

UST had its own run in the second frame to come as close as 41-38, thanks to Nonoy's multiple threes. However, Ateneo refused to let the Tigers take the lead and charged a 13-1 run to end the first half at 54-39.

Ateneo exploded early, opening the game with an 8-0 run until Soulemane Chabiyo scored for UST at the 7:29 mark. The Eagles led by as much as 16 at several points in the first frame, but a Renzo Subido triple capped UST's effort to climb out of the hole, 32-17.

With the win, Ateneo now extended its undefeated streak to 15 this season. This is also Ateneo's third win against UST this Season 82.

Aside from Ravena, two other Eagles scored in double figures, Angelo Kouame with 18 points, and SJ Belangel with 12, all made from the three-point area.

For UST, rookie of the year Nonoy registered a career-high 23 points, including 7 of 14 three-pointers made. Brent Paraiso listed 14 points while Chabiyo posted 13 markers and 10 boards.

UST and Ateneo will face again on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Scores:

ADMU 91: Ravena 32, Kouame 18, Belangel 12, Mamuyac 9, Navarro 6, Mi. Nieto 5, Ma. Nieto 5, Wong 3, Daves 2, Andrade 0, Go 0, Maagdenberg 0, Mallillin 0.

UST 77: Nonoy 26, Paraiso 14, Chabi Yo 13, Subido 8, Cansino 4, Abando 3, Concepcion 3, Ando 2, Bataller 2, Huang 2.

Quarterscores: 32-17, 54-39, 76-58, 91-77.

— MDM/KG, GMA News