Back in September 22, 2006, an eight-year-old Matt Nieto sat at the Upper B section of the Araneta Coliseum. And just like every Ateneo de Manila University fan in attendance, he was in awe of the heroics of Doug Kramer that lifted the Blue Eagles to a 73-72 win over the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers in Game One of the UAAP Season 69 Finals.
As an aspirant, he dreamt of one day having that same moment. But unlike Kramer, he did it on both ends.
Eleven years later, he finally had it.
“Gusto ko lang pasalamatan si Matt dun sa ginawa nya nung huli kasi muntikan na ako madale dun eh,” said Thirdy Ravena after Ateneo’s 76-75 win over the De La Salle University. “It was a good save, great defensive effort by the entire team in that crucial possession, yung sideline na out of bounds.”
After Ravena’s shot was swatted away by Ricci Rivero, the Green Archers — who were up 75-74 — had a sideline inbound. But with the Blue Eagles denying all the La Salle players, Kib Montalbo had no choice but to throw a lob to Andrei Caracut. The pass was tapped away by Matt Nieto.
In an attempt to salvage the broken play, Caracut tried to save the ball, but Gian Mamuyac was there to deny the Green Archers. Mamuyac found a cutting Nieto, who then drew a foul from Montalbo that led to two free throws with 3.9 ticks remaining.
“Actually, naalala niyo yung finals? Kay Doug Kramer? I was watching in Upper B. Malayo yung situation eh, but last second yun e,” mused Nieto.
“Sana one day mangyari din sakin ‘to at sana maging successful ako at di ako mag-fail.”
Thinking of that moment, the 19-year-old was unperturbed. He did not let the 14,717 screaming fans who are either cheering or jeering him get in the way of his moment, knocking down both free throws to give the Blue Eagles the lead.
“When I got to the line the second time, parang sabi ko, this can’t happen. Ma-shoo-shoot na to. Mas naging confident na ako ’cause nagmintis na ako e,” added the second-generation Blue Eagle, who went 3-for-4 from the stripe in the game.
“I practice that everyday. So ma-di-disappoint ako kung hindi nangyari yun,” said Nieto, who is shooting at a 76.2 percent clip from the stripe after the first round.
But at the end of the day, he is just glad that to have his Ateneo-La Salle moment.
“Luckily, naging milestone ng career ko ‘to cause I was hoping this happens early in my career.”
