Ateneo, La Salle survive late rallies in UAAP Season 88 opener

Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) and De La Salle University (DLSU) proved steadier down the stretch, outlasting Far Eastern University (FEU) and Adamson University (AdU), respectively, to open the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball elimination round with hard-earned victories at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, September 20.

With the season tipped off, the two perennial powerhouses delivered in the closing moments, knocking down timely three-pointers that set the tone for a strong start to their title bids.

Ateneo pulled off a gritty 86-83 overtime win over FEU, erasing a 74-80 deficit behind a decisive 12-3 run sparked by newcomers Ky Ladi and Jared Bahay. The pair combined for 12 points in the extra period to seal the comeback.

Ladi, a one-and-done recruit from California, led all scorers with 26 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while sophomore guard Bahay added 13. Trailing by six in the waning minutes, Bahay buried back-to-back triples before Ladi drilled the go-ahead three with 10.1 seconds left.

Despite Jenrey Pasaol’s 24 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists, FEU faltered with key turnovers in overtime.

Ateneo next faces the University of the East on Sept. 24 at the same venue, while FEU battles National University on Sept. 27 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Meanwhile, La Salle edged Adamson in a 60-58 thriller, showing poise despite the offseason departure of star Kevin Quiambao.

Freshman Jacob Cortez provided the late heroics, driving for a layup to give La Salle a 57-56 lead, then nailing a dagger three with 7.9 seconds remaining. Cortez finished with 16 points, four rebounds and four assists. Co-captain Mike Phillips powered the Green Archers with 17 points and 16 boards.

Cedric Manzano paced Adamson with 19 points, but the Falcons could not overcome La Salle’s fourth-quarter surge.

La Salle meets UST on September 27, while Adamson seeks a bounce-back win against Ateneo on September 28, both at the Araneta Coliseum.