Alas, Ateneo kick off Season 89 with 27-point romp over UE

Ateneo de Manila University wasted no time making its mark in UAAP Season 89, overpowering University of the East, 101-74, on Wednesday, September 16 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Blue Eagles established control early, taking a 25-16 lead at the end of the opening quarter. The scoring continued as they poured in 31 points in the second period to take a 56-39 advantage into halftime.

Kieffer Alas led Ateneo with 24 points in his UAAP seniors debut, scoring 19 of his total before halftime. Overall, the rookie shot an efficient 8-of-16 from the field in only 20 minutes and 23 seconds of court time.

Ateneo kept the pressure on after halftime, outscoring UE, 29-16, in the third quarter to stretch its lead to 30 entering the final frame. The Blue Eagles eventually pushed the margin to as many as 38 points before closing out the 27-point victory.

Jared Bahay added 17 points, two rebounds, and two assists, while Grayson Rogers chipped in 12 points for Ateneo.

Toper Lagat led UE with 15 points, while Cole Cruz-Dumont and JM Edoukou added 14 apiece.

The game came 100 days after the deaths of Ateneo teammates Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia. The Blue Eagles wore “DA | RB” patches on their jerseys, while a moment of silence was held before tipoff. Divine’s parents, Elias and Ifeoma, had arrived in the Philippines earlier in the week and were there to support the Blue Eagles.

Ateneo starts Season 89 at 1-0 and next faces the University of the Philippines, while UE tries to get win #1 against National University both on Saturday.

The Scores:

Ateneo 101 – Alas 24, Bahay 17, Rogers 12, Bongo 9, Leal 6, Tuano 6, Asoro 6, Baruwa 5, Roberts 5, Espinosa 4, Kapihe 4, Urbina 1, Cainglet 1, Reyes 1, De Luna 0

UE 74 – Lagat 15, Edoukou 14, Cruz-Dumont 14, Carillo 9, Sabroso 7, Jimenez 6, Robles 4, Javier 3, Datumalim 2, Tañedo 0, Vazquez 0, Mascarinas 0, Perez 0, Santos 0

Quarterscores: 25-16, 56-39, 85-55, 101-74

PHOTO CREDITS: UAAP Season 89 Media Team