Alas and Bahay power Ateneo past NU in 69-65 comeback win
The Blue Eagles moved to 5-4 with their second straight victory, while the Bulldogs slipped to 6-3.
A late scoring burst from Kieffer Alas and Jared Bahay helped Ateneo de Manila University defeat National University 69-65 on October 28, ending the Bulldogs’ streak of four victories. The UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball contest was played at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Alas was Ateneo’s leading scorer with 18 points, also collecting five rebounds and recording three steals and three assists. Bahay contributed 16 points as the Blue Eagles registered a second successive win to strengthen their push for a Final Four berth.
With under five minutes remaining, Ateneo faced a 62-59 deficit. Bahay sank consecutive three-pointers and Alas added to the run, lifting the Blue Eagles into a 68-62 lead. NU’s Macmac Alfanta responded from three-point range, but Alas converted one free throw following a foul by Paul Francisco to settle the result.
Ateneo’s record now stands at 5-4, compared with NU’s 6-3. For the Bulldogs, Mo Diassana posted 17 points alongside 13 rebounds, while Reinhard Jumamoy scored 16.
