LET the balloons stay up there. Not yet.

This, after Ateneo de Manila University, spoiled the impending party by the University of the Philippines as the Katipunan-based Blue Eagles managed to live for another day as they eked out a convincing 65-55 win in Game 2 on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The victory allowed the Blue Eagles to reset their best-of-three championship duel against the Fighting Maroons into a deciding Game 3 Finals for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) 85th Season men’s basketball crown.

Hotshot Kai Balungay atoned for a scoreless outing in Game One as he knocked in 15 points on top of five rebounds to lead the Blue Eagles.

Ange Kouame also came through with 19 points, 11 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks.

The Game 3 rubber match is slated at 6 p.m. on Monday, December 19, 2022, at the Araneta Coliseum.