UAAP: Bahay, Alas take over in crunch time as Ateneo edges National U

MANILA (UPDATED) — Jared Bahay and Kieffer Alas took over down the stretch as Ateneo de Manila University secured a crucial victory with UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball entering its decisive stages.

The Blue Eagles’ guard duo took turns draining clutch three-pointers to edge National University, 69-65, on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, with Bahay and Alas spearheading their squad’s late 9-to-0 surge.

“We all know that Jared and Kieffer are winners, are big-time players, and we’re fortunate that they were able to deliver today,” said Ateneo team manager Nico Salva, as the Blue Eagles also notched their second straight win in the second round.

Bahay hit back-to-back three-pointers in the final two minutes to erase NU’s three-point advantage and give Ateneo a 65-62 lead, while Alas knocked down another triple with 35 seconds left.

The Cebuano guard noted that it all came down to confidence.

“We just trusted our shots,” said Bahay, who finished with 16 points, three rebounds, and two steals on 4-of-11 shooting from long range to steer Ateneo to its fifth win in nine games, good for fourth place in the team standings.

Mac Alfanta kept NU within striking distance with a three-pointer in the final 24 seconds to cut the deficit to 68-65, and while they also regained possession after a Shawn Tuano turnover, Reinhard Jumamoy completely missed his game-tying attempt with 4.5 seconds left before Alas sealed the game from the foul line.

Alas led the Ateneans with 18 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals as they halted National University’s four-game winning streak.

Mo Diassana topscored for the Bulldogs with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks, while Jumamoy added 16 points, six rebounds, six assists, and two steals. However, the MVP-frontrunner also committed five turnovers as NU absorbed its third loss in nine games.

Kenshin Padrones chipped in eight points, while PJ Palacielo, Alfanta, Paul Francisco, and Tebol Garcia scored six apiece for NU, which also committed 21 turnovers that Ateneo converted into 20 points, 15 of which came in transition.

Ateneo 69 — Alas 18, Bahay 16, Kapihe 8, Espinosa 7, Roberts 7, Rogers 5, Tuano 4, Espina 3, Baruwa 1, Cainglet 0, Bongo 0, Leal 0.

NU 65 — Diasanna 17, Jumamoy 16, Padrones 8, Palacielo 6, Garcia 6, Francisco 6, Alfanta 6, Solomon 0, Reyes 0, Laconsay 0, Cartel 0.

Quarterscores: 24-19, 42-39, 53-53, 69-65.