Jared Bahay was seen weeping after Ateneo de Manila University’s heart-wrenching 98-89 triple-overtime defeat to the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers — not from frustration alone, but because he could not be on the court when his Blue Eagles needed him the most.
Bahay, sidelined during the decisive third overtime due to a minor left shoulder injury, assured the Blue Eagles’ faithful that the injury is “nothing major.”
He remains focused on the bigger picture: finishing the season healthy and ready to chase Ateneo’s first UAAP men’s basketball title since Season 85.
Trailing 75-80 early in the second overtime, Bahay displayed poise beyond his years.
He shook off a cold shooting night in regulation, pouring in eight crucial points that pushed the game into a third extra period.
But in a twist of fate, the Ateneo medical team decided to sit him out the final overtime to protect his shoulder.
Without him — along with the absences of Divine Adili (fouled out) and Kymani Ladi (cramps) — Ateneo struggled to keep pace with the Growling Tigers.
“Honestly, hindi na ako bumalik ng third overtime because of my shoulder.
“There’s an issue sa shoulder ko and I didn’t force it. I was looking at the bigger picture — to finish the season healthy and I don’t want to risk injuring myself for nothing,” Bahay told reporters Saturday evening.
The 20-year-old floor general admitted he desperately wanted to lead Ateneo to a thrilling victory but chose to prioritize his long-term health.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Gusto ko pumasok talaga. Masakit nga na natalo kami, pero iniisip ko talaga yung big picture — to finish the season healthy and happy and to be able to get the ultimate goal: the championship,” he explained.
Despite the crushing loss that dropped Ateneo to solo third in the eight-team standings at 4-2, Bahay savored the chance to showcase his talents in front of a sold-out Blue Eagle Gym crowd of 5,373.
Finishing with 17 points (14 in the first two overtimes), six assists, three rebounds, and two steals, the former two-time CESAFI MVP credited his performance to the unwavering support of the Ateneo community and timely advice from alumni.
“Dati pa nung nanonood pa lang ako ng UAAP, the Ateneo community has always been there.
“Nung panahon pa ng dating players at great players ng Ateneo. Some of them I talked to, and they could attest na grabe talaga yung Ateneo community. And for that, I am very grateful sa kanila. Sana just believe in us kasi I believe our team will go far this season,” Bahay shared.
Looking ahead, Bahay stressed that every game remains important.
“Hindi lang ito yung importante na game — every game is important for us. Tinetreat namin na very important para hindi kami mag-relax. Move on na kami dito and start preparing for the next game,” he concluded.
#WATCH: Jared Bahay eases Ateneo fans’ worries on shoulder injury: “It’s nothing major” 🦅
🎥 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/3VfUT7unyk
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) October 11, 2025
