Whatever the result of the other bracket is, Thirdy Ravena and the Ateneo Blue Eagles will be part of history come the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Basketball Finals.
Ateneo already booked its spot in the grand finale after taking down the FEU Tamaraws, 80-61. And it was the 22-year-old who led the way with 22 points on an efficient 8-of-14 shooting to go along with seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block.
But over on the other side, the Adamson Soaring Falcons and the UP Fighting Maroons will still have to duke it out in a knockout game on Wednesday.
Either way, Ravena and the Blue Eagles will be part of history as the Fighting Maroons look to end a 32-year Finals drought while the Soaring Falcons are hoping to enter the big dance after 26 years.
Though excited to face off a new opponent come the Finals, the UAAP Season 80 Men’s Basketball Finals Most Valuable Player is just as nervous of what lies ahead.
“Parang parehas lang kinakabahan pa rin ako kahit sino kalaban — lahat siguro kami coming into Finals ganun.
“It’s different in a sense na ibang team but it’s the same cycle, its the same procedure that we do every single game which is to watch the video, know what they’re doing, know how they run things, and of course we have to prepare,” shared the fourth-year Blue Eagle as he faced the De La Salle Green Archers in his first two Finals appearances. “So it’s basically the same mindset kahit ibang team yung kalban namin.”
But come Wednesday, Ravena will look to enjoy the game just like everyone else. More importantly, the defending champions are focusing on what needs to be done — personal and team improvements.
“May the best team win. It’s been a dogfight the last game so we’ll see,” he added. “Hindi naman kami parang pumipili ng kalaban. We’re just here to prepare. With the time given to us, we have to better ourselves as individuals and as a team.
“So, right now we’re focusing on what’s important which is us.”
