FOR Ateneo, to play is to heal.
In the aftermath of the Aurora tragedy that claimed the lives of Blue Eagles Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, playing has also become an important part of the team's healing process, even if it took 71 days for them to do it all again.
READ: One Big Fight restarts at home with Ateneo triumph over OLFU
The Blue Eagles have since seen tangible progress, advancing through the knockout stage before beating Our Lady of Fatima University and stunning NCAA powerhouse College of St. Benilde, 81-78, in a dramatic Sweet 16 comeback in front of the Ateneo faithful in Katipunan, with the victories carrying value well beyond the wins themselves.
"Although we're coping, but still, our biggest healing process, one of the processes, is to play. Like nu’ng first game, ‘di ba sabi ko nga sa inyo, we praise God for that. Ngayon, we praise and praise God for that," Ateneo head coach Louie Alas said.
"Ang hirap sukatin, immeasurable. Sobrang importante."
The results may show Ateneo gradually regaining its footing, but more significant has been the team's ability to stay together through a difficult stretch, something that was evident in the tight finish against Benilde as the Blue Eagles held on for the three-point win.
"We expect them to play harder and be more bonded as a team. You can see that from now, going back to the question about character," said team manager Nico Salva, himself a former Blue Eagle.
"I guess the character nila is fairly persevering. You can see that, Especially in the second half, the game was close but the perseverance that they do each and every day reflected in the endgame today."
For Salva, the team's response reflects the bond that has grown through everything they have gone through over the last two months, with the Pinoyliga providing another avenue for that connection to deepen weeks before UAAP Season 89.
"Also, I've never seen a team this bonded, really close, and I think that's gonna continue to grow throughout the season," he said.
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