Ateneo overcame a slow start and a 17-point deficit to beat National University, 87-76, in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament at Philsports Arena on Saturday.
Kieffer Alas came through down the stretch to finish with 18 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals as the Blue Eagles improved to 3-1.
He scored seven points in a decisive 12-4 pullaway that pushed Ateneo’s lead to 82-74 with 1:07 to go, after the Blue Eagles rallied to tie the game at 70-all midway through the fourth quarter.
‘Talagang makapal ang mukha,’ said Ateneo coach Louie Alas in jest, pertaining to his son. ‘Kidding aside, I told him that as long as it’s not bad shots, as long as you’re free, go. That’s his role, to score.’
Alas and the Blue Eagles were able to get back in the game despite the Bulldogs’ 9-0 start that soon ballooned to a 24-15 lead after the first quarter.
NU stretched its advantage to its biggest at 36-19 in the second quarter, but still dropped to 2-2.
Andrew Bongo added 16 points for Ateneo while the duo of Shawn Tuano and Travis Roberts turned in 14 points each.
Tebol Garcia paced the Bulldogs, who had their two-game winning streak snapped, with 18 points. Reinhard Jumamoy added 15 and Paul Francisco 14.