Closing Run Sends Ateneo to Third Season 89 Victory

Kieffer Alas delivered late as Ateneo erased a 17-point deficit and defeated NU, 87-76, in UAAP Season 89. The rookie scored 10 points during Ateneo’s closing surge, helping the Blue Eagles improve to 3-1 atop the standings.

Ateneo Erases NU’s 17-Point First-Half Lead

Luisa Morales of One Sports chronicled Ateneo’s comeback after NU established a 36-19 advantage during the second quarter. The Bulldogs controlled the opening stages before the Blue Eagles produced their strongest offensive response approaching the halftime break.

Ateneo answered with a massive 26-4 surge, turning its 17-point deficit into a five-point halftime advantage against NU. The Blue Eagles entered the break ahead 45-40 after scoring 30 second-quarter points following their difficult opening period.

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Bongo Ignites Massive Blue Eagles Comeback

Drew Bongo scored 15 points during Ateneo’s 26-4 response, providing the offensive spark that reversed NU’s early control. His scoring helped transform the Blue Eagles from a struggling first-quarter team into the five-point halftime leader.

Kieffer Alas Takes Over During Closing Minutes

NU remained competitive after halftime and reclaimed a 74-73 advantage through Reinhard Jumamoy with approximately three minutes remaining. Ateneo then produced a decisive 14-0 run, with Alas scoring 10 points while the Bulldogs went scoreless.

Alas finished with 18 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block across his complete performance. His late three-pointer extended Ateneo’s advantage to 82-74 before the Blue Eagles completed their 11-point comeback victory.

Rookie Delivers Complete Two-Way Performance

Alas contributed across several categories before assuming the primary scoring responsibility during Ateneo’s decisive closing run against the Bulldogs. His 10 late points ultimately complemented five rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block throughout the victory.

Alas Credits Ateneo’s Composure Under Pressure

Alas acknowledged the pressure surrounding Ateneo’s closing possessions while crediting previous experiences for improving how the Blue Eagles handled adversity. His comments followed a game featuring both a 17-point deficit and NU’s temporary fourth-quarter return to the lead.

“There was pressure naman sa last couple of minutes but I feel like what we’ve been through helped with how we handle pressure in a way. Because I mean with everyone looking down on us, we just realized that we don’t care what the outside noise has to say,” Alas said.

Ateneo ultimately responded after NU moved ahead late, scoring 14 consecutive points to transform the game’s final three minutes. That closing sequence provided measurable evidence supporting Alas’ description of Ateneo remaining composed while the contest tightened again.

Blue Eagles Block Out External Noise

Alas also explained how Ateneo narrowed its attention toward executing possessions instead of becoming distracted by expectations surrounding the team.

“Sabi nga nila yung basketball court 94 feet lang diba so that’s what we just locked in on.”

His comments offered firsthand context behind Ateneo’s response after surrendering its fourth-quarter lead following an exhausting earlier comeback.

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Balanced Ateneo Scoring Supports Comeback Victory

Ateneo received five double-digit scoring performances, preventing its comeback from depending entirely upon Alas’ decisive fourth-quarter production against NU. Bongo finished with 16 points, while Travis Roberts and Shawn Tuano contributed 14 points apiece during the victory.

EJ Kapihe added 12 points and seven rebounds, providing another productive performance as Ateneo recovered from its early deficit. Tuano also grabbed five rebounds before leaving during the fourth quarter with an apparent injury, without an immediate status update.

Five Blue Eagles Reach Double Figures

• Kieffer Alas: 18 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals, one block
• Drew Bongo: 16 points in 19 minutes
• Travis Roberts: 14 points
• Shawn Tuano: 14 points, five rebounds, two steals
• EJ Kapihe: 12 points, seven rebounds, one steal, one block

Ateneo Moves Into Solo First Before La Salle Clash

The comeback lifted Ateneo to 3-1, moving the Blue Eagles into solo first after four UAAP Season 89 assignments. NU dropped to 2-2 despite receiving 18 points from Tebol Garcia and 15 from Reinhard Jumamoy during Saturday’s defeat.

Ateneo next faces rival La Salle on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena while pursuing its third consecutive victory. The Blue Eagles enter that matchup after overcoming multiple deficits without allowing their difficult opening quarter to determine Saturday’s result.

Blue Eagles Carry 3-1 Record Into Rivalry Game

Ateneo’s early position carries additional significance because Saturday’s victory required recovering after NU established substantial first-half separation. Facing La Salle provides another immediate test of whether the Blue Eagles can maintain their winning form without another major deficit.

Analytical Breakdown: The Response Defined Ateneo

Ateneo’s comeback showed impressive composure, with Bongo’s scoring surge providing the offensive spark needed to erase NU’s early control. Alas then delivered decisive late-game creation, while Ateneo’s balanced scoring prevented NU from concentrating its defense around one primary threat. Avoiding another major early deficit remains essential because stronger opponents may not allow Ateneo enough possessions to recover similarly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points did Kieffer Alas score against NU?

Kieffer Alas finished with 18 points, including 10 during Ateneo’s decisive closing run against NU in the fourth quarter.

What was the Ateneo versus NU final score?

Ateneo defeated NU, 87-76, after overcoming a 17-point deficit during their UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball matchup.

How large was NU’s biggest lead against Ateneo?

NU established a 17-point advantage at 36-19 before Ateneo produced its massive comeback during the second quarter.

What is Ateneo’s UAAP Season 89 record?

Ateneo improved to 3-1 and moved into solo first place following its comeback victory over National University.

Who does Ateneo play next?

Ateneo faces rival La Salle on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena while pursuing its third consecutive Season 89 victory.

Disclaimer: Headline Image from Sports Inquirer – Inquirer.net.