Ateneo aces first UAAP test after Baterbonia, Adili deaths - Rappler

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ROOKIE. Kieffer Alas in action for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 89 men's basketball tournament.

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MANILA, Philippines – With Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili in mind, the Ateneo Blue Eagles opened the new UAAP season with aplomb. 

The Blue Eagles coasted to rousing 101-74 win over the UE Red Warriors to start their campaign in the Season 89 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, September 16.

Rookie Kieffer Alas turned in a UAAP seniors debut to remember, firing 24 points with 4 rebounds in just 20 minutes of action to show the way in the victory which came exactly 100 days since Baterbonia and Adili died from drowning during a team building in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8.

“I feel like this was just an introduction to Ateneo,” said Alas. “After everything that happened, everyone counted us out. So I hope that slowly, we can bring ourselves where we want to be. 

Ateneo raced to a 25-16 lead at the end of the opening quarter and cruised the rest of the way as it leaned on the trio of Alas, Jared Bahay, and Grayson Rogers. 

Bahay finished with 17 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists, while Rogers supplied 12 points, 2 assists, and 2 steals in the blowout which saw the Blue Eagles mount a lead as big as 38 points in the fourth period, 93-55.

It was a statement win for Ateneo, which drew inspiration from the presence of Adili’s parents, Elias and Ifeoma. 

Elias and Ifeoma Adili are in the Philippines to watch Ateneo’s first two games of the season. 

“The whole season, we dedicate it to Divine and Rene. But for this game, since you’re here, we dedicate it to you guys,” Bahay recalled from his conversation with the Adilis. “I made sure my teammates heard what I said so they know that we cannot lose because they’re there.”

Andrew Bongo also made his presence felt for the Blue Eagles with 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks, Jay-M Leal chipped in 6 points and 9 rebounds, while Shawn Tuano added 6 points and 5 rebounds.

For Ateneo assistant coach RJ Jazul, the victory is a step in the right direction for the Blue Eagles, who are eyeing a return to the Final Four after failing to reach the semifinals in the last two seasons. 

“The players’ emotional baggage will always be there, but still, they keep on grinding every day through hard practices. They’re all going hard,” said Jazul. 

Toper Lagat finished with 15 points, while JM Edoukou put up 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals for the Red Warriors, who absorbed their 21st consecutive UAAP defeat, their losing streak dating back to Season 87. – Rappler.com