Josel Sapitan

Paolo Medina raised the Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) flag after ruling the UAAP Esports tournament, snatching the first-ever title in NBA 2K against De La Salle University (DLSU) bet Keegan Yap in a close 2-1 win last Friday, August 16 at the  Hyundai Hall, Arete Ateneo, Quezon City.

Photo Courtesy of UAAP Media.

The BS Information Technology Entrepreneurship Atenean seized the best-of-three championship match as he unleashed the Oklahoma City Thunder in the last game to demolish Yap’s LA Lakers with a dominant cushion.

“To be the first champion, I am very blessed. I feel I made a mark that will forever be there,” said Medina.

The ADMU gamer drew the first blood after clinching the opening match, piloting the San Antonio Spurs to nip the DLSU Chicago Bulls, 77-75.

However, La Salle 2K specialists prevailed to force the do-or-die match, allowing his LA Clippers to overwhelm Medina’s Sacramento Kings in the second game, 93-89.

In the final showdown, the Blue Eagle distanced the score by 25-15 in the first quarter and didn’t let any opportunity to turn over the table as he kept the 20-point lead at the last frame, securing the historical run.

After the championship win, Ateneo head coach Nite Alparas confidently shared pride in the six months of hard work they went through to get the title.

“Nakita ko yung growth niya, development niya as a player. Sabi ko, ‘Pagaling ka nang pagaling. Nagi-improve ka, lahat ng sinasabi ko sa’yo naa-absorb mo. Tina-try mo yung new things. Hindi ka takot magkamali,” he added.

Medina passed through a down-to-the-wire campaign after suffering University of Santo Thomas and University of the Philippines losses in the Group Phase.

Still, hope was strong for Medina as he managed to sweep UST in the semis (96-92, 119-81) to claim a seat in the gold match.

Medina finally carved his name in the Ateneo Blue Eagles history annals, where he previously was the sideline student-manager of the UAAP S85 Men’s Basketball championship.