Five-time UAAP champion Ateneo escapes UST Growling Tigers in Game 2

The Ateneo Blue Eagles pounced on a costly defensive lapse by the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers to win Game Two, 70-69, in the best-of-three Finals series of the 2012 Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) yesterday at the Arena in San Juan City.

The Tigers had possession but had just one second left on their shotclock with under 20 seconds left to play when Kevin Ferrer launched a three that hit nothing but air as the buzzer sounded.

Anticipating a 24-second shotclock violation, UST relaxed but play went on and Ateneo grabbed the rebound and found a streaking Kiefer Ravena for the game-winning layup with 11 ticks remaining.

UST had a shot at the win but Ferrer’s attempt from the corner was batted away by Ryan Buenafe.

Jeric Fortuna could not get a clean shot off at the final buzzer, giving Ateneo the win and a chance at a fourth PCCL title in Game Three slated Dec. 7 at the Ynares Sports Arena.

Ravena, nicknamed “The Phenom,” had 21 points, four rebounds and three assists while Cebuano big man Greg Slaughter had 14 and 10 boards. Tonino Gonzaga also was a key factor with 13 markers.

Fortuna tallied 18 to lead UST while Jeric Teng and Aljon Mariano had 12 points apiece.