Ateneo took Game 1 of UAAP Basketball Finals

The Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles clamped down on the De La Salle University Green Archers and rode on the broad shoulders of Rabeh Al-Hussaini to move a win away of getting UAAP Season 71 Men's Basketball Championship crown, 69 - 61.

Al-Hussaini brushed off early championship jitters before taking over game 1 in a dominating performance, finishing with 31 points on 14 of 26 field goal shooting and adding 9 rebounds. La Salle found no answer to contain Ateneo's center.

If defense really wins championship, then Ateneo is more than ready to claim this year's title as they showed once again that they can held down La Salle to poor shooting percentage. Nonoy Baclao anchored Ateneo's interior defense with his seven blocks.

The win also marked the first time that the Eagles won over the Archers three consecutive times. And unless La Salle can make the adjustment in defending Al-Hussaini and improve their field goal shooting on game 2, then they will be swept by Ateneo on the way to crown.

Chris Tiu committed two early fouls and Al-Hussaini appeared jittery at the start of the game. Rookie Ryan Buenafe played with great poise in his first UAAP finals game to lead the Eagles in the first half 36 - 29.

In the second half, Al-Hussaini stamped his class over his defenders and Ateneo's defense proved enough to thwart any La Salle run.

Rico Maierhoffer was the lone bright spot for the Archers but his efforts was not enough. JV Casio had a better game this time around but unable to rally his team to victory.