Ateneo Weathers Adamson Fightback to Take Win #2

Ateneo de Manila University weathered a late push from Adamson University to come away with a 73-68 victory on Saturday, September 26 in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Blue Eagles established control from the opening quarter, taking a 16-12 lead behind an active start from Jared Bahay and their supporting cast. They continued to dictate the pace in the second, stretching the margin to eight, 35-27, by halftime.

Adamson tried to chip away after the break, but Ateneo kept finding answers whenever the Falcons threatened to gain momentum. The Blue Eagles entered the fourth quarter with a 54-44 advantage.

Ateneo was still ahead by 13, 65-52, with 4:15 remaining when Adamson began cutting into the deficit. Mat Edding, Precious Jonah and Ray Allen Torres helped fuel the Falcons’ rally, bringing them within six, 67-61, with 1:41 left.

Jared Bahay then took responsibility for Ateneo in the closing stretch, knocking down four straight free throws to keep the Blue Eagles ahead.

Bahay finished with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, while Travis Roberts and Ian Espinosa chipped in 14 and 10, respectively. 

Precious Jonah led Adamson with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks. Mat Edding and Ray Allen Torres each added 12 points for the Falcons.

Despite Adamson's late surge, Ateneo stayed composed in the closing minutes to secure the victory and improve to 2-1 in the standings. The Falcons dropped to 1-1.

Ateneo next faces National University on October 3 at 5:30 PM, while Adamson takes on University of Santo Tomas at 2 PM. 

THE SCORES:

Ateneo 73 - Bahay 18, Roberts 14, Espinosa 10, Bongo 9, Alas 7, Rogers 5, Tuano 4, Kapihe 2, Baruwa 2, Leal 2, Cainglet 0

Adamson 68 - Jonah 17, Edding 12, Torres 12, Medina 7, Anabo 5, Montebon 4, Cruz-Dumont 4, Fransman 2, Perez 2, Canete 2, Erolon 1, Demisana 0, Pacquiao 0

QUARTERSCORES: 16-12, 35-27, 54-44, 73-68

Photo Credits: UAAP Media