DRIVE FOR FIVE
Source: INQUIRER.net
Source: INQUIRER.net
by JA Conde
Drive for Five? Finally over! The Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles has just clinched their fifth straight UAAP basketball title, knocking out the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers with a score of 65-62 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, about six hours ago.
Senior baller Nico Salva clinched the Finals MVP honors with eight points. He now happens to be one of the few ballers who have won all championships in all of his eligibility years. On the other hand, Jeric Fortuna led UST with 20 markings. The fifth straight championship is the last one for Norman Black, who’ll now return to where he truly belongs—- PBA sidelines via the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters by October 18 vs. Air21 (ironically coached by former UAAP rival mentor/protege Franz Pumaren). Overall, this is the 8th UAAP championship for Ateneo. The previous years of their champhonship were the seasons of 1987, 1988, 2002, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and of course, 2012.
As with the future of Ateneo basketball, the year 2013 would probably be a challenging one for the school per se. With the sudden departure of Manuel V. Pangilinan (who moved to UP), someone has to step up for the program. However, Paolo Trillo and his company would rather focus on celebrating their title first. That said, let’s congratulate the entire Ateneo movement then!
For recap articles on Ateneo’s past championships that I had covered, here are your links:
And for Bonfire schedule: (Courtesy of GMA News)
ON COURT, OFF COURT 