Girlfriends stand by their men at end of a fiercely fought Ateneo-La Salle finale

IT was a fitting end to the most storied rivalry in Philippine basketball when Ateneo and La Salle pushed each other to the limit in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament finals.

The Blue Eagles ended a five-year title drought by winning a fiercely fought, three-game final, in the process exacting revenge over a La Salle side that beat them in last year's title series.

In a poignant final scene, the victors celebrate on center court while the vanquished licked their wounds on the sidelines.

But no matter which side they were on, the players had their lovely girlfriends who stood by them to either give a hug for a job well done - or provide comfort in the face of sorrow.

These ladies stood by their men.

1. Mikki Cortes and her ‘champ’ Anton Asistio

He always told me not to call him champ, “not yet” at least... NOW I finally get to!!!???? Beyond proud of my champ! My heart is full having seen you work so hard to get here???? Always in awe of you @antonasistio???? Love you smelly feet????

A post shared by Mikki Cortes (@heeymikki) on Dec 3, 2017 at 6:42am PST

2. Rhiana Parr was there to celebrate with Jolo Mendoza

MY CHAMP10N ???? couldn’t be more proud.

A post shared by Rhi (@rhianaparr) on Dec 3, 2017 at 3:53am PST

3. Bianca Matanguihan was extremely proud of Matt Nieto

???? #appreciationpost

A post shared by Matt Nieto (@realmattnieto5) on Oct 29, 2017 at 7:15pm PDT

4. Alexandrea Enciso wore an Ateneo No. 8 jersey for Aaron Black

???????????? #NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/i3VRX3ylkt

— Aaron Black (@aaronblack_8) December 4, 2017

5. Andrea Coronel and her ‘idol’ Aljun Melecio

???? ????: @jiostamaria

A post shared by Aljun Melecio (@aljunjaymelecio) on Sep 4, 2017 at 11:26pm PDT

6. Desiree Cheng sported a La Salle #15 jersey to show her support for Kib Montalbo and of course a hug after the game

Solid performance and great leadership was seen last game! proud of this guy right here, leggo get game 3!!! ????????????

A post shared by Desiree Wynea Cheng (@chengcherengcheng) on Nov 29, 2017 at 4:47pm PST

7. Double celebration for Mike Nieto and his girlfriend Aimee Lontok

?To you who has sacrificed her time just to be my “ball girl” during the season, to postponing our anniversary celebration because it was Game 1 of the Finals. Belated Happy Anniversary! I am truly blessed for all the support, effort and for having you in my life @aimeelontok

A post shared by Michael Nieto (@bigmikenieto) on Dec 3, 2017 at 11:19pm PST

Meanwhile, Ateneo hero Isaac Go, Finals MVP Thirdy Ravena and La Salle star Ricci Rivero are among the eligible bachelors in the finals.

Or at least that's as far as we know.

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