And there we have it.

The Ateneo Blue Eagles are one win away from back-to-back UAAP championships after yet another masterclass from star player Thirdy Ravena, who nearly had a triple-double in his team's 88-79 victory against the UP Fighting Maroons this Saturday.

For the large part of three quarters, the spectacle managed to live up to its hype --the first-ever "Battle of Katipunan" finals-- filled with more excellent plays, gutsy shots, and hard-fought baskets that you can pump your fist to. But as the clock wound down, it was clear that the game was going to go entirely to script.

• UAAP finals: Blue Eagles survive spirited UP fight to win Game 1

• UAAP: Pacquiao roots for UP, promises to take team to US bout if they win

• UAAP finals: UP’s Bright Akhuetie returns to game after exiting on a stretcher

Ravena set the stage for the highly favored Blue Eagles with his 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists, but it was Matt Nieto, who had a career night with 27 points, who delivered the decisive blow --a 3-pointer to take their lead to 14 with just over 2 minutes remaining.

The affair did threaten to turn ugly when Bright Akhuetie went down from an apparent accidental collision with Ateneo's Angelo Kouame --something the UP faithful viewed differently.

Still, it was an exciting contest --even if some felt that the referees blew their whistles and gave warnings far too often-- that gave the long-suffering Maroons' fans something positive to remember, and Ateneo supporters added proof of their domination.

• ANALYSIS: On biggest stage, Ateneo’s top guns outshone Fighting Maroons’ stars

• Why Tab Baldwin doesn’t want to play Fighting Maroons in UAAP finals

• UAAP finals: Coach Bo on Akhuetie knee — ‘Wala naman daw serious injury’

Check out some of the most popular reactions on Twitter over the game below, including those from celebrities Lea Salonga and Gary Valenciano and some politicians.

Game 1, done!!! #OneBigFight #BattleOfKatipunan

— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) December 1, 2018

Congratulations Ateneo! In Coach Tab we trust!

— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) December 1, 2018

ADMU is strong indeed but they haven’t met a team with as much heart as UP. #UAAP81Finals

— GARY VALENCIANO (@GaryValenciano1) December 1, 2018

Maximize the time you have, you’re on limited time 😌😏😉 #highroad https://t.co/qsnVIdTK2y

— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) December 1, 2018

Fantastic Game 1! Ateneo showed great composure vs a fearless and inspired UP squad. Couldn’t contain myself from cheering at home w/ every Thirdy highlight, Nieto clutch basket & those 2 Tyler Tio triples! OBF!!

— Chris Tiu (@chris_tiu) December 1, 2018

Looking forward to games 2 and 3 #upfight #uaap

— Christian Bautista (@xtianbautista) December 1, 2018

I’m so proud of the #upfightingmaroons . You played with your heart today and that’s all that matters . Looking forward to Game 2 and the championship . Congratulations to #Ateneo… https://t.co/gdRPGZWVoy

— Victoria G. Belo, MD (@VickiBelo) December 1, 2018

See u in Game 3 😜

— Sonny Angara (@sonnyangara) December 1, 2018

UP pa rin ang mahal! We will win games 2 and 3!

— Harry Roque (@attyharryroque) December 1, 2018

Nothing to be ashamed of UP Maroons! With or without the title you are already champions for coming this far. Baka may kaunting kaba dahil first time makalaro sa finals. Pero bawi tayo sa game 2!!! Congratulations Ateneo!

— Kiko Pangilinan (@kikopangilinan) December 1, 2018

My honest analysis 🏀 #OBF pic.twitter.com/WQ8v4EH9QS

— Mariana (@marianalopa) December 1, 2018

Alam niyo kahit matalo U.P dito, may napatuanyan sila.

May laban 'tong final series na 'to. ADMU's road to a back to back crwon isn't going to be an easy one.

An unexpected challenger, one who already achieved more than what was expected is a very dangerous foe. #UAAP81Finals

— karl montesa (@KARLderetaaa) December 1, 2018

What should have been an exciting Game 1 between ADMU and UP was tainted by bad and questionable calls from refs. #UAAP81Finals #UPFight

— Ejay Acorda (@ejayacorda) December 1, 2018

So disappointing how many people are giving distasteful remarks such as "luto" or "ang dumi maglaro" when our team has worked just as hard as every other team.

Kouame for sure didn't mean to do that.

Ateneans aren't cheering in favor of the injury.#UAAP81Finals

— Migz Arias (@jmsarias) December 1, 2018

Love the sportsmanship Juan GDL from UP is showing whenever an Ateneo Player gets to shoot a free throw. Humahigh five. Ganun lang dapat after ng heated encounter. The UP crowd needs to learn that, first time kasi mag finals so understood, na carried away. #UAAP81FINALS

— Jayvee D Bulatao (@jayveedcb) December 1, 2018

Can we just say that Ateneo is too good that's why others are whinning and booing about some technicality and referee matters? Hey it's all about skills not paying the referees or what you all say, "LUTO". It's basketball not cooking contest. #UAAP81Finals

— Siren 🌟 (@aprilittlestar) December 1, 2018

Ateneo is admittedly a good team but you just can't help but get distracted from that fact when the officiating SUCKS. Can't blame the Diliman faithful for their frustration. #UPFight

— denver del rosario (@dnvrDINOSAURio) December 1, 2018

UP gave us a great game and that's what matters! bawi na lang sa game 2!!! #AtinTo #BattleOfKatipunan #UAAP81Finals

— gulong-ed (@zkdlinnnnnnnnnn) December 1, 2018

Every time we score I choke up bec its another point BY UP IN THE FINALS OF THE UAAP. EVERY POINT IS BEAUTIFUL!!!! #UPFight #AtinTo

— Katz (@KatzSalao) December 1, 2018

Ateneo may have won this one but this game will be remembered not for ADMU's win, but for UP's resilience and heart (especially Bright).#UPFight#AtinTo

— Arjay Mercado (@arjay_mercado45) December 1, 2018

It ain't over til it's over. May Game 2 pa. Wag panghinaan ng loob, my dudes. #UPFight til the end. 💚❤ #AtinTo

— Isko (@iskolarspeaks) December 1, 2018

• SLIDESHOW: Blue Eagles edge Fighting Maroons to open Season 81 finals

• UAAP finals: Game 1 has given Perasol confidence that UP can beat Ateneo

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