Alas powers Ateneo past NU after 17-point deficit
Ateneo moved to three wins in four games in UAAP Season 89, while National University fell to 2-2.
Ateneo de Manila University overturned a 17-point deficit to beat National University 87-76 at Philsports Arena in Pasig City on October 3. Kieffer Alas finished with 18 points and drove the decisive late surge in the UAAP Season 89 game.
NU held a 36-19 advantage during the second quarter, but Ateneo recovered to take control before half-time. Andrew Bongo hit two consecutive three-pointers and EJ Kapihe added a basket to put Ateneo ahead 42-40. A Shawn Tuano three-pointer extended the lead to 45-40 at the break.
The Bulldogs cut the gap to 67-63 after three quarters and began the fourth with five unanswered points. The lead changed hands again before Jumamoy's consecutive baskets put NU ahead 74-73. Alas then contributed 10 points to Ateneo's 14-0 burst, including a three-pointer that sealed the win. DJ Laconsay scored NU's last basket.
Alas also recorded four assists, five rebounds, a block and three steals. Bongo scored 16 points, Tuano and Travis Roberts contributed 14 apiece, and Kapihe finished with 12. For NU, Tebol Garcia scored 18 points, followed by Jumamoy with 15 and Paul Francisco with 14.
