UP aims to close out series against Ateneo for second straight UAAP title

The University of the Philippines is on the verge of another UAAP men's basketball title.

After winning over the Ateneo de Manila University, 72-66, in Game 1 of the Season 85 Finals on Sunday, the Diliman-based squad needs to close out the series in Game 2 on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

"We have to focus on our next game,” said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde after winning the first of the best-of-three game series.

Zavier Lucero, who had 14 points and 11 rebounds in Game 1, hopes not to have another close game against their Katipunan neighbors.

"I hope we can put this away with a good margin. If we can avoid any heroics, that would be nice. Whether it’s close or not, we have to be ready for that. We have to be focused and calm in that and be able to come out on top," Lucero said.

Ateneo, on the other hand, hopes some of their key players such as Dave Ildefonso and Kai Ballungay will step up for the blue-and-white.

"Dave is a pro. But definitely we look to have Dave get cleaner looks. We were hoping that he’ll be able to shoot better next game," Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga said. "The mental aspect is the key for Kai. This is his first finals appearance. He’s one of the players that we have to get going," he added.

Prior to the Finals, individual awardees of the men's basketball tournament will be recognized, with UP's Malick Diouf to be officially named as Season 85 Most Valuable Player.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News