La Salle sweeps Ateneo, caps near-perfect UAAP season with 9th title
De La Salle University's Jeron Teng, during the UAAP Finals Game 2. | Philstar.com/Efigenio Toledo IV
MANILA, Philippines – The De La Salle University Green Archers snared their ninth UAAP championship at the expense of archrivals Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 79-72, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Wednesday.
As if hurriedly trying to wrap the series up, skipper Jeron Teng poured 19 points in the first half alone.
Ben Mbala provided the additional scoring punch, dominating in the paint, hauling crucial rebounds, and keeping the Eagles' big men in check.
The Eagles, led by former national team head coach Tab Baldwin, gave the top seeds everything they've got, but they weren't able to close the gap.
And La Salle wins their 9th UAAP title! 79-72 over their archrivals Ateneo! #UAAPFinals @sonrd pic.twitter.com/4casQB9pOh
— Philstar Sports Hub (@StarSportsHub) December 7, 2016
Thirdy Ravena and Aaron Black – two of the Eagles most productive scores in the season – struggled in the tussle.
The Green Archers led by as much as 14 points in the game.
The Taft-based squad's last crown came in 2013, where Teng led a conquest of the University of Santo Tomas in three games.
The title gives UAAP rookie tactician Aldin Ayo his second title in his two-year coaching career in the collegiate arena. He snared his first with Letran College last NCAA season against San Beda, making him the only coach to win successive NCAA and UAAP titles.
Prior to the game, Mbala was named the league's Most Valuable Player. Both he and Teng were named into the Mythical Five.
First-year Aljun Melecio took home Rookie of the Year honors.
BOX SCORES
DLSU 79 – Teng 28, Mbala 18, Montalbo 9, Melecio 7, Caracut 5, Perkins 4, Torres 3, Tratter 2, Rivero P 2, Sargent 1
ATENEO 72 – Nieto Mi 18, Wong 10, Verano 10, Asistio 9, Go 8, Ikeh 6, Nieto Ma 4, Ravena 3, Black 2, Tolentino 2, Porter 0, Babilonia 0
QUARTER SCORES: 22-16, 45-35, 59-52, 79-72
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