Ateneo routs UE in UAAP S89 opener after preseason tragedy

Ateneo de Manila University opened its UAAP Season 89 campaign by honoring Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, 100 days after the June 8 team-building tragedy that claimed their lives.

Wearing gear patched with “DA | RB,” Ateneo came out firing in its return to the hardwood, overwhelming the University of the East (UE), 101–74, at Mall of Asia Arena on Sept. 16.

Prized Blue Eagle rookie guard, Kieffer Alas, lived up to his billing, dropping 24 points in just 20 minutes of action in front of an attendance that included the families of Adili and Baterbonia.

Adili’s parents, Elias and Ifeoma, as well as Baterbonia’s parents, Rovelyn and Rene Sr., watched the match from the arena stands.

Making his debut as newly minted head coach Louie Alas, the Katipunan-based dribblers catapulted from a slim 25–23 lead to a 17-point cushion after mounting a fiery 20–5 burst in the second quarter.

From there, the Recto-based crew had no plays and points to answer with as Ateneo’s lead swelled to as much as 38 points, 93–55, in the final period before Mike Asoro capped the surge with a three-pointer.

Jared Bahay backstopped Alas’ brilliance after logging in 17 markers off an efficient 6-of-8 (75%) clip from the field.

The white-clad men leaned on their hot shooting from deep as they outscored UE, 36–18, from beyond the arc.

Kristopher Lagat would wound up with a team-high 15 points and two rebounds, but the Red Warriors could not overcome Ateneo’s commanding lead.

Ateneo will vie to keep their surge when it faces the University of the Philippines on Sept. 19, at the Big Dome.

With reports from Spin PH