(Photo Credit: Christopher Cancio, The GUIDON)  Ateneo Blue Eagles def. De La Salle Green Archers 76-70 Notable Players: Thirdy Ravena, Ateneo (12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists): What a way for Thirdy to start off his second Finals campaign. His stats may not pop-out, but this was one of Thirdy's best games yet. Controlled, smart play from the best local in the league. Mike (11 points, 5 rebounds) and Matt (11 points, 3 assists) Nieto, Ateneo: Matt was his usual steady self despite nursing a nasty cut in the left eyebrow, while Mike played some tough, smart basketball despite his lack of height to push Ateneo during the fourth quarter. These twins are special. Chibueze Ikeh, Ateneo (4 points, 9 rebounds): Offensively, Ikeh was terrible. He showed us how NOT to run a hi-low play (seriously, a pass to Raffy Verano from the top with two defenders on Raffy) and missed a ton of gimmes. But defensively? He was INCREDIBLE. The very fact that he held his ground versus Mbal...

(Photo Credit: Mico Ongkeko, The GUIDON) Ateneo Blue Eagles def. FEU Tamaraws 88-84 Notable Players: Thirdy Ravena, Ateneo (17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists): We can talk about his lack of a clutch gene all we want but we cannot deny the game-long brilliance of Thirdy Ravena. He was aggressive all game long, taking it to the rim without any hesitation. Good things happen to Ateneo when Thirdy is locked in. Chibueze Ikeh, Ateneo (16 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals): We can joke about him all we want, but when it mattered, Ikeh actually delivered. His aggressiveness in the inside during the overtime period immediately set the tone for the Blue Eagles, as they immediately pounced on FEU's lack of an inside presence.  Matt Nieto (16 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists) and Isaac Go (13 points, 9 rebounds), Ateneo: CLUTCH. BIG SHOTS. These two showed the epitome of having a good heart AND a sound mind. Jasper Parker, FEU (19 points, 4 rebounds): Absolutely ballsy performanc...

(Photo Credit: John Oranga, Fabilioh) When Thirdy Ravena put Regie Boy Basibas on a poster (yes, it was a poster, he was part of the shot, carry on) yesterday, the internet immediately exploded. The dunk was life-changing. Maybe even more life-changing than the fast-break alley-oop dunk which Ben Mbala did last year versus Ateneo. But that's for another conversation. The first thing that came into people's minds regarding Thirdy's dunk was how athletic and explosive Thirdy is. The raw power he showed to get to shove that ball into the rim as if it was a piece of garbage he's been meaning to throw for quite some time now was an utter beauty to watch. Others even went as far as to compare it to dunks by LeBron James and Russell Westbrook. However, there were other notable things from that very sequence. And it is those very things which make the Ateneo Blue Eagles such a great basketball team. Before the dunk by Thirdy, the Blue Eagles ran some nifty mo...

(Photo Credit: Christopher Cancio, The GUIDON) Ateneo Blue Eagles def. UST Growling Tigers 102-83 Notable Players Thirdy Ravena, Ateneo (20 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, ONE MONSTER DUNK): I can't wait for the day Thirdy develops a jump shot. I'm running for dear life once he develops a jump shot. Or maybe he just dunks from the three-point line and it counts as three points. Matt Nieto, Ateneo (19 points, 5/7 3FG, 3 assists): Matt was noted for taking seven of his eight shots from rainbow country, but it was a result of the offense rather than him forcing it. Great decision making and steady play from Matt overall. Chibueze Ikeh, Ateneo (5 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists): We can still joke about Ikeh all we want, but we should take him seriously as well. He's been so handy for Coach Tab. More than his size, his sheer composure and ability to pass has been huge for Ateneo. Oliver De Guzman, UST (19 points, 5 rebounds): De Guzman continues to ...

(Photo Credit: Danica T. Bibera, The GUIDON) Ateneo Blue Eagles def. FEU Tamaraws 70-59 Notable Players: Matt Nieto, Ateneo (14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals): Matt was a steady force for Ateneo all throughout, as he managed to keep his cool versus the physical Tamaraws. Considering he did make two clutch free throws versus La Salle, a little physicality shouldn't hurt right? Raffy Verano, Ateneo (14 points, 2 steals): Raffy is one physical guy, so seeing him thrive in such an environment should come as no surprise. He isn't a go-to guy, but he's an effective piece teams would want. Ron Dennison, FEU (12 points, 8 rebounds): Ron Dennison three-point pamatay sunogs forever. He's been the most steady player for FEU this season, and it showed in this game. Arvin Tolentino, FEU (11 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists): It wasn't the revenge game people expected from him, but it was solid nonetheless. Once he tightens up his handle even more, he'll be ...

(Photo Credit: John Oranga, Fabilioh) Ateneo Blue Eagles def. La Salle Green Archers 76-75 Notable Players: Matt Nieto, Ateneo (16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 ballsy free throws): We all know the big shots, but how he broke La Salle's mayhem and settled down Ateneo was just as impressive. Anton Asistio, Ateneo (14 points, 4 made threes): He didn't do too well late in the game but his threes at the start were key. Jolo Mendoza, Ateneo (10 points, 2/3 3FG, 2 assists): Jolo was terrific for most of this game, taking advantage of La Salle's poor coverage on the perimeter to hit some timely shots. He still has a ways to go at being a play maker, but he's getting there. Ben Mbala, La Salle (18 points, 13 rebounds): He had *just* 18 points, but how he forced Ateneo to help on him again and again was key in making this game close. A facilitating Mbala is a nightmare to be up against. Ricci Rivero, La Salle (19 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steal...

(Photo Credit: John Oranga, Fabilioh) Writer's note: I actually already wrote about Matt last week over at SLAM Philippines . Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy this more emotional (at least compared to my piece in SLAM PH) take on Matt. As Matt Nieto slowly sat down in the press room in MOA Arena, you can't help but notice the smile on his face after their victory versus the La Salle Green Archers. This should be expected of any player after managing to beat their fiercest rivals (especially with HOW they beat them). But if you know Matt very well, seeing him with this much joy was a completely new experience. For the longest time, Matt has been described as someone who is mataray  by most of his batchmates. Every time he walks around campus, you see him with a stern look, as if he was just scolded by his dad for missing his free throws in practice. It wasn't as if Matt was purposely doing this as if to create a "brand" or whatsoever. Ever since he was in Grad...

with contributions from Camille Cutler (Photo Credit: Arvin Lim, ABS-CBN Sports) Ateneo Blue Eagles def. UST Growling Tigers 94-84 Notable Players: Matt Nieto, Ateneo (22 points, 4/6 3FG): Matt continues to impress, as he provided Ateneo the offensive punch it needed to beat UST. His new-found stroke from outside is going to be huge for the team moving forward, as defenses start to clamp down on well-known shooters such as Anton Asistio. Isaac Go, Ateneo (13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists): Isaac was solid for Ateneo, providing the team the ample support on both ends of the floor. His biggest contribution was on the offensive end, especially with some of the bail-out shots he made during the course of the game.  Thirdy Ravena, Ateneo (12 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists): He simply continues to stake his claim as the UAAP's 2nd best player behind Ben Mbala. He wasn't as explosive as he usually is, but that's just nitpicking. Thirdy continues to play tremendou...

(Photo Credit: Zach Garcia, The GUIDON) Ateneo Blue Eagles def. UE Red Warriors 83-65 Notable players: Thirdy Ravena (21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 3 turnovers): He just keeps on proving to everyone that he is more than capable of putting up consistent numbers and being an asset to this team. He was able to lessen on his turnovers which just shows that he’s constantly working on his game as each day progresses. Matt Nieto (11 points, 3 assists) : One half of the dynamic duo known as the Nieto brothers showed that he can play a steady game and facilitate all throughout as the playmaker of the team. He played good team basketball and went out there looking for good options for his teammates. Alvin Pasaol (22 points, 3/8 3pt FG, 4 TOs): He just went out there and was totally a knockdown scorer for the red warriors. He converted and contributed in several aspects whether it be slashing, scoring or shooting. Even if he knocked down 3 long bombs, he could have be...

(Photo Credit: Mico Ongkeko, The GUIDON) Ateneo Blue Eagles def. FEU Tamaraws 94-82 Notable Players: Thirdy Ravena, ADMU (18 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 turnovers): If he cuts down on those turnovers, the scarier he'll be. He's everything Ateneo hoped CJ Perez would be for them. An absolute monster on both ends of the floor, using his ridiculous physical tools to the brim. Anton Asistio, ADMU (16 points, 3/6 3FG): Anton opened up the floor for Ateneo to start the game, scoring off catch and shoot with ease. Credit to him as he was able to put himself in good spots, and never forced the issue even though he was hot. Matt Nieto, ADMU (11 points, 3 assists, 2 blocks): After struggling with his offense for most of his UAAP Seniors career, Matt found his stroke against FEU making three three-pointers. If he manages to continue to hit his outside shots consistently, teams have themselves a problem versus the Ateneo back court. Wendell Comboy, FEU (12 points, 4/7...

4 long years. It’s been 4 long years ever since the Ateneo Blue Eaglets brought the Juniors Basketball Championship to Katipunan. It’s been 4 long years ever since the Blue Eaglets experienced glory in the UAAP. It’s been 4 long years of waiting. 4 long years of losing. 4 long years of trying to hold in the tears every time the Blue Eaglets would be eliminated from contention for the championship. 4 long years of keeping confident that somehow, this drought will come to an end eventually. It did come to an end, and oh boy, the story that unfolded before our very eyes as that drought ended was simply amazing. An Offseason of Change The Eaglets were determined to bring the title back to Katipunan. (Photo Credit: Philip Sison)  After losing a heartbreaker of a Finals series against the Hubert Cani led NU Bullpups, for sure, something had to change. Some people were starting to have doubts with the coaching acumen of Joe Silva when it came to these...

The unstoppable force meets the immovable object once again. Mike Nieto vs. Mark Dyke, ladies and gentlemen. (Photo Credit: Mon Rubio, UAAP) Season 76. Last year, the Finals of the UAAP Juniors Basketball season also had Ateneo and NU as its main protagonists. Ateneo had standouts Thirdy Ravena, Jme Escaler and Aaron Black to lead the Katipunan based High School, while NU had (ironically) current Atenean Hubert Cani and JP Cauilan to lead the charge of the Bullpups. For that Finals series, NU possessed a thrice to beat advantage after sweeping the competition, while Ateneo had to go through the rigorous step ladder format in order to reach the Finals. To cut it short, Ateneo fell short in the end for both games. and ultimately. NU became champions.  Shift to Season 77. This year, the Finals of the UAAP Juniors Basketball season has Ateneo and NU as its main protagonists. Ateneo has standouts Mike Nieto, Matt Nieto and Jolo Mendoza to lead the Katipunan based High...