Before team captain Gerry Abadiano and Nigerian forward Francis Nnoruka sparked University of the Philippines’ fourth-quarter rally in a 79-75 victory over Ateneo de Manila University, another pair quietly laid the foundation for the comeback from a daunting 16-point deficit.
That duo was Fil-Am teammates Jacob Bayla and Sean Alter, whose chemistry ignited a pivotal third-quarter surge that helped the Fighting Maroons secure the last twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Final Four.
Their on-court connection, however, was forged long before they donned UP colors.
The synergy between Bayla and Alter began in the United States, where they played together with Fil-Am Nation at the 2023 National Basketball Training Center.
“Just knowing that the team needs that energy every game, someone to bring the fire, that’s what Sean and I can do,” Bayla told Tiebreaker Times after contributing eight points, five rebounds, three assists, and a block against the Blue Eagles.
“We go way back to the NBTC days. Knowing him and having that fire from both of us — that’s what the team needed.”
Alter, who had a perfect shooting day with seven points on 3-of-3 shooting along with four rebounds and a block, shared a similar perspective.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Jacob and I go way back. We’re both from the US, but we really got close at NBTC.
“I was excited when I heard he was coming to UP. We hang out off the court, we eat together, and I feel that really strengthens our chemistry on the court,” Alter said.
Bayla, a California native, believes their shared commitment to their roles is crucial for UP’s back-to-back title bid.
“Just knowing our role and playing to the best of our abilities. Me and Sean work hard every day. We want to reach our goals together, so whatever the team needs, we give it,” the 6-foot-5 forward explained.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, Alter, raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, emphasized that it is their responsibility to inject energy when other key players like Abadiano, Rey Remogat, and Harold Alarcon struggle early in games.
That mentality was on full display during UP’s second-round conquest of Ateneo, where Bayla and Alter set the tone in the third quarter before Abadiano and Nnoruka sealed the win.
“Our team is 16 players deep. When some players aren’t providing energy, it’s our job to bring it,” Alter said.
“I was just doing my role as a big man — rebounding, dunking when I can. That’s what I did today.”
For Alter, the chemistry isn’t limited to Bayla. He stressed the importance of connecting with the entire 16-man roster, a critical factor in navigating what many consider the most competitive UAAP men’s basketball landscape in over a decade.
“Our chemistry isn’t just with Jacob; it’s with everyone on the team. That’s what will help us overcome any challenge this season.”
