MANILA, Philippines ? (UPDATE 2) The Ateneo Blue Eaglets prevailed over rivals La Salle Zobel Junior Archers, 61-56, in Game 3 of the best-of-three finals to win their second straight UAAP juniors basketball title Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Paolo Romero buried six straight points in the final three minutes and Finals MVP Kiefer Ravena sank two buffer free throws in the last 4.6 seconds to lead the Blue Eaglets to their 17th overall title.

With the title at stake, both teams started played solid defense ending the first quarter at 22-all.
Raphael Banal carried the Eaglets in the first half scoring seven points as Ravena was held scoreless by Junior Archers.

La Salle, meanwhile, depended on Gwyne Capacio, who finished the game with 15 points on top of 11 rebounds, and Luigi dela Paz, who added 14 points including a buzzer-beating three-pointer to end the third quarter and another one to kick off the fourth quarter.

Eaglets coach Jamike Jarin gave credit to the Junior Archers for making it a great finals series.

"It was a great series? but there can only be one winner fortunately it was us. I congratulate La Salle?s coaching staff,? said Jarin, noting great performances from La Salle?s Capacio, Dela Paz and Nico Elorde.

"It was my mistake, we came really confident (in that game),? he added, referring to La Salle?s 57-53 win in Game 2.

Ravena, who had a phenomenal 33-point output in Game 1, acknowledged his teammates? support despite a scoreless first half this time around.

"They were always there for me even if I was not doing what I was supposed to do and it was them who make me realize that I can do it for the team," said Ravena who finished the game with nine points along with seven rebounds, six assists and two steals.

The Ateneo-La Salle juniors clash preceded Game 3 of the seniors finals between Ateneo and University of the East.

The Scores:
ADMU- 61 Banal 16, Romero 12, Pessumal 10, Ravena 9, Sinco 3, Pe 3, Capacio 3, Dumrique 2, Bugarin 2, Reyes 1

DLSZ- 56 Capacio 15, Dela Paz 14, Van Opstal 9, Elorde 8, Herrera 6, Roxas 2, Park 2