By: Jerod Orcullo
Defending champion Ateneo de Manila University jumpstarted its UAAP Esports NBA 2K tournament campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 series win in a finals rematch against De La Salle University, Tuesday at the Quantum Skyview Deck, Gateway 2 Mall in Quezon City.
Much like their storied rivalry on the hardcourt, the intensity between Ateneo and La Salle was palpable—even on the virtual stage—as their first matchup of the season went the full distance, requiring all three games to determine a winner.
“Well, confident ako before the game kasi yung preparation din na ginawa namin, pinaghandaan namin La Salle dahil alam namin sila padin yung kalaban this year,” said Blue Eagles head coach Nite Alparas, who is also the eGilas program director, on facing the Green Aces to open their season.
“Honestly, medyo matindi nga yung laban, kasi both teams naman OKC and Boston talagang pinaghahandaan namin. So prepared din kami na if ever magkaroon ng Game 3, kailangan mag-Boston si Paolo, gagawin namin.”
Following two grueling games, the stage was set for Paolo Medina and Keagan Yap to renew their budding rivalry—one that began in last season’s finals.
In Game 3, Medina’s Boston Celtics carved out an early eleven-point lead, 43-32, in the third quarter, as Yap’s Oklahoma City Thunder struggled to find offensive rhythm.
However, Yap responded with a defensive surge that allowed him to tie the game at 50 heading into the final frame.
Both players traded baskets in the fourth, but Medina ultimately pulled away as his Celtics tallied 21 points in the quarter—outscoring the Thunder’s 14—to secure a 71-64 win and the series for Ateneo.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Earlier in the day, Adamson University held off a reverse sweep attempt by National University, clinching a 2-1 victory to open their own campaign on a high note.
Coming off a disappointing finish in the previous tournament, the Falcons came in with something to prove despite internal challenges.
“Honestly dahil sa time constraints wala kaming proper practices, at dahil din sa budget issues wala kaming tamang coach… syempre may mga performances din naman sila na may lapses pero maganda yung performance nila ngayon kasi hindi ko talaga inaasahan na ganun mangyayari sa series namin,” shared Soaring Falcons head coach Matthew Galang.
Joaquin Obado set the tone for the Falcons with a gritty 55-50 win using the Boston Celtics over Dominic Peñaflorida’s OKC Thunder in Game 1.
NU struck back in Game 2 as Jarrel Allaga, also using the Celtics, routed Joshua Advincula’s Thunder, 57-39, to force a deciding third game.
In the rubber match, Obado and Peñaflorida squared off once more. And just like their initial clash, Obado again asserted dominance, this time sealing the series with a dramatic 83-80 overtime win.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas took the top seeds in their respective groups with clean sweeps, earning three points each.
The Fighting Maroons took down Far Eastern University with Harvey Buban eking out a 45-40 win in Game 1, followed by Isaac Javier’s dominant 69-55 performance in Game 2.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
As for the Teletigers, they dismantled University of the East with an average winning margin of 24 points.
Daemiel Argame’s Celtics clashed against a rare pick in the Phoenix Suns, prevailing with a 69-48 blowout. Despite UE sticking to the meta in the second game, Daniel Delos Reyes ran riot with a 70-42 win to complete the series sweep for UST.
All matches are streamed live on Pilipinas Live and the UAAP Varsity Channel.
