Ateneo de Manila University prized rookie Kieffer Alas in his UAAP debut against University of the East in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — Ateneo de Manila University honored Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili in yet another way, 100 days after the Dipaculao, Aurora tragedy that claimed their lives on June 8.
Donning their “DA | RB” patches, the Blue Eagles dominated University of the East, 101-74, in their UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball debut on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, in front of an emotional crowd that included the families of Baterbonia and Adili.
Leading the charge was rookie Kieffer Alas, who posted 24 points, four rebounds, and an assist in his first collegiate game, while Jared Bahay paced the Blue Eagles’ with 17 points, two assists, and two rebounds.
With Ateneo holding a slim 25-23 lead early in the second frame, Alas and Travis Roberts spearheaded a 16-to-1 surge that eventually gave the Blue Eagles a 20-point cushion before halftime.
Toper Lagat provided some spark for UE in the third period, with the sophomore guard’s deuce with 6:03 left in the frame bringing the Red Warriors to within 14, 64-50, but that was the closest UE could get, as Ateneo eventually stretched its lead to as much as 38 before the final buzzer.