Jared Bahay and Kymani Ladi linked up in the clutch to lift Ateneo de Manila University to an 86-83 overtime win over Far Eastern University, opening their UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball campaign on a high note at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, Saturday.
After a dismal start to Season 87, where they dropped their first three games on their way to matching their worst finish at 4-10, the Blue Eagles are eager to regain their winning touch — and they could not have asked for a better start.
Ateneo also snapped a four-game losing streak against FEU, with their last win dating back to Season 85.
“Welcome back to the UAAP. It looks like it’s going to be that kind of year. Great for the fans, really exciting. I’m proud of the team for sticking to the job and getting across the finish line,” said Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin after the overtime thriller.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The game was marked by momentum swings.
The Tamaraws rallied from a 57-65 deficit to take a 70-65 lead, only for the Blue Eagles to respond with a 9-0 run to reclaim the lead at 74-70 late in regulation.
Jorick Bautista’s back-to-back baskets eventually forced overtime.
FEU started the extra period strong, scoring the first six points for an 80-74 lead.
Bahay then took over, hitting consecutive three-pointers to tie the game at 80 with 1:06 remaining.
The sophomore guard from Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu followed it up with a steal that led to a fastbreak layup by Ladi, giving Ateneo the lead.
Ladi sealed the win with a top-of-the-key triple, pushing the Blue Eagles ahead 85-80 with just 10.1 seconds remaining.
Bautista sprinted the length of the court and banked in a one-handed three with 4.2 seconds left, cutting FEU’s deficit to 83-85.
But Bahay put the finishing touches on the win, converting a free throw after being fouled and securing a steal off Mo Konateh’s rebound following two missed free throws by Shawn Tuano.
“I’m not entirely happy with the quality of our performance at both ends of the floor. There were moments when we played well, but this game was won on talent rather than tactics, coaching, or cohesiveness,” Baldwin admitted.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Ladi, who has only one season of eligibility after four years at Merritt College in California, led Ateneo with 26 points on 10-of-22 shooting. He also had nine rebounds, three assists, and a block.
Dom Escobar, another one-and-done recruit who previously played at Cal State, added 16 points and seven rebounds in 23 minutes, sitting out late due to cramps.
Bahay scored 10 of his 13 points in the final 7:29, contributing five assists and four steals.
Nigerian center Divine Adili, who did not start due to back issues, still added seven points, five rebounds, three assists, and a steal.
Ateneo looks to improve to 2-0 when it faces the University of the East on Wednesday at 2:00 PM at the same venue.
For FEU, Janrey Pasaol narrowly missed a triple-double with 24 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds, while Bautista also scored 24 points.
Last season’s Mythical Five member Mo Konateh played all but 49 seconds, finishing with 11 points, 23 rebounds, and two blocks.
The Tamaraws will aim for their first win next Saturday against National University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
Ateneo (86) – Ladi 26, Escobar 16, Bahay 13, Lazo 9, Adili 7, Espina 5, Bongo 5, Tuano 3, Ong 2, Lazaro 0, Espinosa 0, Gamber 0, Nieto 0.
FEU (83) – Pasaol 24, Bautista 24, Konateh 11, Felipe 7, Montemayor 6, Daa 4, Owens 3, Mongcopa 2, Ona 2, Macapagal 0.
Quarterscores: 24-22, 40-34, 61-55, 74-74, 86-83.
