UST ends Ateneo's Final Four hopes with 89-84 win

University of Santo Tomas defeated Ateneo de Manila University 89-84 at Smart Araneta Coliseum on November 15, 2026, ending the Blue Eagles' bid for a UAAP Season 89 men's basketball Final Four place. The result took UST to 7-6 and left Ateneo at 5-8.

Mark Llemit finished with 20 points for the Growling Tigers. Amiel Acido recorded 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Collins Akowe added 16 points and nine rebounds. Jared Bahay paced Ateneo with 17 points, followed by Waki Espina with 16. Severe allergies kept Kieffer Alas out of the game.

UST led 50-39 at the break and widened the gap to 69-54 late in the third quarter, its largest advantage. With 36 seconds remaining, the Tigers were ahead 86-78 before a Bahay three-pointer cut Ateneo's deficit.

A late confrontation followed as Bahay approached Akowe, who had possession. Akowe lifted an elbow near Bahay's face and fell following a slight push by Tuaño. Akowe also accidentally struck Bahay with an elbow, while Kirk Cañete bumped Tuaño from behind. Officials assessed unsportsmanlike fouls against Tuaño and Cañete and a regular foul against Bahay.

Akowe converted one of two foul shots for an 87-81 advantage. After Travis Roberts missed from three-point range, Acido drew a foul and made both free throws to secure the result. Andrew Bongo's late three-pointer was not enough for Ateneo.