ATENEO marked an impressive return to the hardwood for UAAP Season 89, kicking off its campaign with a, 101-74 rout of the University of the East on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Highly touted rookie Kieffer Alas took flight in his collegiate debut, dropping 19 of his 24 points in the first two quarters as the Blue Eagles opened a 56-39 lead by half time and never looked back.
Jared Bahay then scored 10 quick points to start the second half to put things away early, with the Blue Eagles leading by as many as 38 points in a striking start to the Louie Alas era which unfortunately came to be after tragedy shaped the school's preseason following the loss of sophomore center Divine Adili and incoming rookie Rene Baterbonia in the dreadful camp in Aurora.
After the game, Ateneo assistant coach RJ Jazul acknowledged how everyone came together in helping the team
“We cannot do this without the help of loved ones, families, and we also thank the Family of Divine for going to us sa mass the last day. Of course, we dedicate this to them and Rene,” Jazul said.
With the Blue Eagles already nearing a 20-point lead even before the first half, they never showed any let-up, with Alas' '40 minutes of hell' defense in full force — pressuring their opponents despite the huge lead.
Bahay flanked Alas with 17 points and two dimes on an impressive 75 percent efficiency, while Fil-Am rookie Grayson Rogers torched from the bench with 12 markers and two steals.
UE, meanwhile, were led by Toper Lagat 15 points and two boards. JM Edoukou and Cole Cruz-Dumont, added 14 apiece in the loss.
The victory came with Adili’s parents, Elias and Ifeoma, as well as Baterbonia’s parents, Rovelyn and Rene Sr., in attendance at the arena.
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.
Quarters: 25-16, 56-39, 85-55, 101-74
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