Jared Bahay stepped up in the clutch, delivering key plays down the stretch to lift Ateneo de Manila University past University of the East, 71-67, and spoil the Red Warriors’ latest attempt to secure a UAAP Season 87 Final Four spot.
In a thrilling Wednesday night showdown at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, the rookie sensation from Cebu showed poise under pressure, helping the Blue Eagles snap a three-game skid.
Bahay, a standout from Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, gave Ateneo a crucial lead with a deep three-pointer at the 1:07 mark, putting them up 67-65.
With just 11 seconds remaining, Rainer Maga found an opening and drove for a wide-open layup, but his shot rimmed out, setting up Sean Quitevis to seal the game.
Quitevis, who had not scored previously, sank two free throws that extended Ateneo’s lead to 71-67 with just 8.5 seconds left.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“There is more than just pride to play for. There’s the uniform that we wear and trying to live up to the standards expected of us by our community, by our teammates, and by ourselves,” said Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin.
“I was just very happy with the team today because they played with so much effort and resolve.”
This hard-fought victory snapped Ateneo’s three-game losing streak and improved their record to 4-9, though they were already out of the Final Four contention for the first time since 2013.
Meanwhile, the Red Warriors – now on a four-game slide – took another hit to their hopes for a Final Four return for the first time since 2009. They fell to 6-7 and tied with the University of Santo Tomas.
UST holds the tiebreak advantage due to the win-over-the-other rule.
Andrew Bongo powered Ateneo with 15 points and six rebounds, while Shawn Tuano contributed 13 points, four rebounds, and two steals.
Chris Koon added a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, as did Joshua Lazaro with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
“I’m happy being able to make the shots, and Coach Tab trusting me to take those shots is a big confidence booster for me,” said Bahay, who finished with 11 points, five of which came in the clutch.
Ateneo will conclude its season on November 23, facing Adamson University at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
For UE, Maga led with 15 points, while John Abate added 11.
Devin Fikes stepped up in the absence of suspended big man Precious Momowei, posting nine points and 10 rebounds.
However, the Red Warriors struggled from beyond the arc. Wello Lingolingo, Ethan Galang, and Jack Cruz-Dumont all combined to shoot just 1-of-12 from deep.
UE’s final game of the eliminations will be a high-stakes match-up against the University of the Philippines next Wednesday, with a potential Final Four berth on the line.
The Scores:
ATENEO 71 – Bongo 15, Tuano 13, oon 12, Lazaro 11, Bahay 11, Espinosa 5, Quitevis 2, Porter 2, Ong 0, Gamber 0, Espina 0.
UE 67 – Maga 15, Abate 11, Fikes 9, Lingolingo 8, Galang 8, J. Cruz-Dumont 6, Wilson 4, Spandonis 3, H. Cruz-Dumont 2, Malaga 1, Mulingtapang 0.
Quarterscores: 21-16, 40-31, 55-51, 71-67.
