Metro Manila, Philippines — The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles trounced the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 101-74, to kick off their UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament campaign on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After almost sitting out the season, the Blue Eagles displayed their offensive prowess in the highest-scoring game of the opening week.
Prized rookie and former juniors Most Valuable Player Kieffer Alas led the scoring barrage with 24 points in his seniors debut for Ateneo.
Jared Bahay contributed 17 markers in a 6-of-8 field goal shooting, while Filipino-American Grayson Rogers added 12 points for the Blue Eagles.
Before the tip-off, a moment of silence was observed to pay tribute to Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who died during the tragic Ateneo team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora in June.
The Katipunan-based squad controlled the pace after back-to-back triples from Alas and Bahay put them on top by nine in the opener, 25-16.
The Blue Eagles stepped on the gas in the second quarter as Alas and forward Grayson Rogers launched baskets that gave them a comfortable 17-point cushion, 56-39.
It was a similar affair in the third frame as the Red Warriors’ efforts to catch up were answered back by a massive 11-0 run, 85-55.
Sophomore Toper Lagat tried to breathe life for UE in the endgame but ultimately fell short as Ateneo sustained its aggressive offense.
Lagat paced the Red Warriors in the loss with 15 points, while JM Edoukou and Cole Cruz-Dumont scored 14 apiece.
The Blue Eagles will look to sustain momentum against their Katipunan rival University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
UE, meanwhile, will gun for its first win in over a year against the National University Bulldogs on the same date and venue.
