The Ateneo Blue Eagles spoiled the UP Fighting Maroons’ quest to end their UAAP Season 86 finals series on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena, holding on for a 69-66 win to force a deciding Game Three.
The Eagles squandered a 37-28 halftime lead as the Maroons were able to turn it into a seesaw battle until the final period. But the Katipunan-based squad, banking on MVP Ange Kouame, eventually held off their rivals until the closing seconds to secure the Game Two win.
Kouame, who was earlier awarded with the league's most prestigious individual award, proved he is deserving of the citation with 14 points, 14 rebounds and a whopping eight blocks.
The Maroons are bent on toppling the Blue Eagles’ dynasty and end their reign as three-time defending champs.
After squandering its twice-to-beat edge in the Final Four against No. 3 La Salle, the second-seeded UP erased a 14-point deficit in the do-or-die semifinal, 78-74, to barge into the Last Dance – where it fashioned out another stellar resolve in the opener.
Ranged against the mighty Eagles, the Maroons embraced the challenge and put on a defensive clinic in the fourth quarter and overtime with a 21-6 finishing kick for a stunning Game One victory.
