MANILA, Philippines – De La Salle University guard Kib Montalbo apologized to the father of Ateneo de Manila University forward Mike Nieto after Game 1 of the UAAP Season 79 Finals even as he still questions the unsportsmanlike foul called on him in the third quarter of the heated contest.

Montalbo was assessed the foul with 4:53 left to play in the third quarter after he was caught tripping a running Nieto with his right foot. The infraction led to four Ateneo points, as Nieto made both free throws and Adrian Wong cashed in on a jump shot in the bonus possession, which made it a three-point game, 39-42.

Montalbo made up for his error with a clutch steal of Thirdy Ravena in the dying seconds of the game, leading to Jeron Teng's go-ahead lay-up for what turned out to be a 67-65 victory for La Salle.

"I'm questioning the unsportsmanlike foul lang," Montalbo said after the game.

According to Montalbo, even "Big Mike" was somewhat surprised that the referee made the call. "But the referees called it, so I have no choice but to play through it," added Montalbo, who had to be calmed down by his teammates after vociferously complaining about the call.

"It's all about basketball," he also said. "What happens on the court stays on the court, and we remain friends."

Montalbo revealed that he approached Nieto's father, former Blue Eagle Jet Nieto, after the game to apologize as well.

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"Sabi niya, 'okay lang.' Kasi kalaban ko sila dati sa nationals, sa Milo, and I've met him before," Montalbo explained.

Apologies aside, Montalbo still took special pleasure in beating the Blue Eagles in Game 1, and not just because it brought them one step closer towards clinching the UAAP crown.

"It's Ateneo," he said simply. "We don't want to lose to Ateneo. I want to beat Ateneo so bad."

"Siyempre, sila gusto rin nila sa amin 'yun. Pareho lang, it goes around lang eh. What matters most is who wants it more," he added.

Game 2 of the UAAP Season 79 Finals is scheduled for Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

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