Ateneo gives La Salle a claw and wins 4th UAAP title

ADMU Eagles pose for their Championship photo

by Jose Antonio A. Conde

Congratulations Ateneo! Ateneo Blue Eagles is now declared the UAAP men’s basketball champions last Thursday in the Araneta Coliseum, Septemeber 25, 2008 in the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City defeating the defending champions De La Salle Green Archers, 62-51. Ateneo swept La Salle, 2-0.

Thus, DLSU had a very hot start in the ballgame but Ateneo started to manage a lead in the Second period as they led the entire ballgame although it was a low-scoring ending with Jai Reyes manning the floor late in the Fourth period and eventually won the title. DLSU’s PJ Walsham was oftentimes used during the Game 2 saga. In the third period, DLSU’s Rico Mairehofer made a “middle-finger” gesture as he was pointing either on JV or Rabeh Al-Hussaini. Nobody doesn’t know as Rabeh made 2 free throws and led the ball game stronger than ever.

Ateneo won its 4th UAAP championship, first in 6 years. They ended their dismantling finishes years ago: 2003 vs. FEU and 2006 vs. UST. They became happier than ever as it is. This is Norman Black’s first UAAP title after a sad finish in 2006. During the celebration, Rabeh Al-Hussaini went to the Commentator’s side wherein the ADMU fans were there. Also, Christ Tiu and Al-Hussaini had inspiring words to  Coach Norman. Now here’s one of Rabeh-Norman championship converstions:

Norman: Thank you, Rabeh!

Rabeh: Hindi po, Coach. Thank you po sa lahat.

Very inspiring and heartwarming.

Finals MVP is Nonoy Baclao who is responsible for the “Block 02 in 08” wherein he blocked Rico Mairehofer’s shot. Just a brief note: Mairehofer made an answer to Nonoy’s block by a magical shot vs. Baclao himself during the Third period in the Second game. What a series. Congrats!

Just a footnote: During the Awarding Ceremonies. The entire DLSU team did not received their medals and their trophy but Franz Pumaren, their coach admitted that noboby called them for the award. Also, ADMU Eaglets won the UAAP Juniors Championship (vs. FEU, 2-0) and the SBP Championship (Grade School). What a gradslam! Ateneo has a Bonfire event which will happen on Sept. 30 in the Gesu Field in Ateneo, Katipunan from 6-12 am. Mass will happen at 6 while the Bonfire will start at 7. Seeya there!

2008

09/28

CATEGORY

UAAP

TAGS

2008
ADMU
Champions
Chris Tiu
DLSU
Finals
JV Casio
Nonoy Baclao
Rabeh Al-Hussani
Rico Mairehofer
Season 71
UAAP

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