By: Joaquin Cortez
Ateneo de Manila University entered UAAP Season 89 carrying the weight of an extraordinary buildup.
The Blue Eagles’ struggles began last June 8, when tragedy struck in Dipaculao, Aurora, where teammates Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili passed away.
They then lost members of their coaching staff, including Tab Baldwin, while team manager Epok Quimpo also departed amid suspensions and resignations. With their preparations delayed, Ateneo only began its buildup in earnest in the month before the season.
But amid the turmoil, the Blue Eagles built something bigger than the time they had lost: a brotherhood.
That bond was tested again on Saturday when National University ripped the game away from Ateneo with a furious 26-4 second-quarter run.
Shawn Tuano and Andrew Bongo combined for 20 points during the surge, giving the Bulldogs a 17-point lead.
The Blue Eagles, however, refused to fold.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Ateneo steadily chipped away at the deficit before NU reclaimed the lead, 74-73, with 2:54 remaining.
That was when rookie Kieffer Alas took over, scoring 10 points in the final 2:34 to turn a one-point deficit into a nine-point cushion and lead the Blue Eagles to an 87-76 comeback victory at the Philsports Arena.
Alas finished with 18 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block despite struggling from the field for most of the game. He went just 3-of-16 before the fourth quarter but continued attacking until his opportunities finally came.
“No matter kung bad game ka ng first half or third quarter ka, as long as you keep on going. I guess the results showed in the fourth quarter,” Kieffer said.
His father and head coach, Louie Alas, had no reason to rein in his son despite the misses.
“I told him, ‘As long as it’s not a bad shot, as long as you are free, go. Because that is your role to score,’” Coach Louie said.
Alas was not the only Blue Eagle who delivered.
One-and-done Hawaiian forward EJ Kapihe provided a timely lift with 12 points and seven rebounds in 27 minutes, his best performance of the season as he continues adjusting to the UAAP and playing in the Philippines for the first time.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“This game was a lot of difficult for me, being the first time in the UAAP and my first time in the Philippines,” Kapihe said.
“First time experiencing this type of crowd and environment. First few games were a little bit nerve-racking for sure, and it took me a lot to get comfortable.”
Kapihe said the adversity the team had faced helped shape the culture it carried into the season.
“This team is special,” Kapihe added.
“We fought through something that not many people can experience. We rebuilt the brotherhood and built a culture and a mentality that doesn’t give up, that keeps fighting back no matter what the circumstances are.”
Ateneo’s resilience will face another test next week when it takes on archrival De La Salle University.
“We have a week to prepare for them. I know it’s going to be a battle going in. Coach Louie and the rest of the coaching staff have been doing a great job of preparing us, not only physically but mentally,” Kapihe said.
