Ateneo de Manila University powered through an emotional UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament debut, thumping University of the East, 101-74, on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Blue Eagles’ participation this season was up in the air until the league announced on August 7 that former head coach Tab Baldwin had been permanently banned, with the decision final and not subject to appeal.
Several others were also suspended following the June 8 drowning incident during Ateneo’s team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, which claimed the lives of promising student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia. However, the team was allowed to participate as its members were “themselves victims of this tragedy.”
The league honored the lives of Baterbonia and Adili with a moment of silence before the game.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“Coach Louie wanted to thank everyone, the UAAP, especially God, for allowing us to play in spite of the tragedy that happened to us. We’re still allowed to play the game that we love. Thank you sa families, sa Ateneo for supporting us,” said Blue Eagles assistant coach RJ Jazul, as interim coach Louie Alas had already lost his voice after the game.
Ateneo took control early, building a 56-39 lead at halftime behind rookie Kieffer Alas, who erupted for 19 points in the first half.
The Blue Eagles then blew the Red Warriors away with a dominant 29-16 third quarter to establish an insurmountable 85-55 advantage heading into the final frame.
It marked the first time Ateneo breached the 100-point mark in the UAAP since April 21, 2022, when it defeated the University of Santo Tomas, 101-51, in the Season 84 bubble.
“I feel like this was just an introduction to Ateneo after everything that happened. Everyone counted us out, so I hope na slowly we can build ourselves back up to bring ourselves where we want to be. Especially with Divine’s parents being here, we’re gonna dedicate our games to them,” said Alas, who finished with 24 points and four rebounds.
Alas’ 24-point effort was the most by a UAAP rookie since Jerrick Ahanmisi scored 28 points in Adamson University’s 104-85 win over UP on September 4, 2016.
New team captain Jared Bahay added 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field, while Grayson Rogers chipped in 12 points.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Sophomore Tope Lagat led UE with 15 points as the Red Warriors’ struggles continued, absorbing their 21st consecutive loss in the UAAP dating back to the second round of Season 87.
Ivorian big man JM Edoukou backed Lagat with 14 points, eight rebounds, and five steals, while Cole Cruz-Dumont also scored 14 in the defeat.
Both teams return to action on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, with UE facing National University at 3:00 PM and Ateneo battling the University of the Philippines at 5:30 PM.
The Scores:
Ateneo (101) – Alas 24, Bahay 17, Rogers 12, Bongo 9, Leal 6, Tuano 6, Asoro 6, Baruwa 5, Roberts 5, Espinosa 4, Kapihe 4, Urbina 1, Cainglet 1, Reyes 1, De Luna 0.
UE (74) – Lagat 15, Edoukou 14, Cruz-Dumont 14, Carillo 9, Sabroso 7, Jimenez 6, Robles 4, Javier 3, Datumalim 2, Tañedo 0, Vazquez 0, Mascarinas 0, Perez 0, Santos 0.
Quarterscores: 25-16, 56-39, 85-55, 101-74.
