Adili, Baterbonia parents present as Ateneo soar

Games on Saturday:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

3 p.m. -- NU vs UE

5:30 p.m. -- Ateneo vs UP

Kieffer Alas had proven that he’s as good as advertised.

The blue-chip recruit sparked Ateneo De Manila University’s early assault on its way to burying hapless University of the East, 101-74, in a statement win to open its University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 men’s basketball campaign on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Inspired by the presence of the parents of fallen comrades Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia, the Blue Eagles were relentless right from the get-go and even led by as many as 38.

“Despite the tragedy that happened to us, we're still allowed to play the game that we love", said Ateneo deputy RJ Jazul, who sat in during the post-game interview for new head coach Louie Alas.

Kieffer Alas, the Season 87 Juniors Most Valuable Player, blasted 24 points on 8-of-16 field goal shooting, including three triples, to lead Ateneo, which posted its first win of the season 100 days since the passing of Adili and Baterbonia in a tragic off-campus incident in Dipaculao, Aurora last 8 June.

“I feel like this was just an introduction to Ateneo. After everything that happened, everyone counted us out. I hope, slowly we can build ourselves back up to bring ourselves where we want to be,” said Kieffer Alas, who was fired up by the presence of Adili’s parents.

“Especially with Divine's parents being here, we just dedicated this (win). Until they're here, we're going to dedicate our games to them. We're just a family here.”

Veteran guard Jared Bahay added 17 markers and Grayson Rogers had 12 points while Andrew Bongo finished with nine for the Blue Eagles

Ateneo kept its pressure on the Red Warriors and quickly pulled away. From a nine-point lead in the opening period, the Blue Eagles turned it into a 56-39 advantage heading into the intermission.

It was a full-blown rout by the fourth period when Mike Asoro connected a trey for a 93-55 separation with 8:44 left.

The Red Warriors’ losing woes continued after a winless campaign last season.

UE has now lost 21 straight since Season 87.

Tope Lagat fired 15 points to pace the Red Warriors. JM Edoukou debuted with 14 markers and eight boards while Cole Cruz-Dumont posted 14 points in a lost cause.

The Blue Eagles marched into the tournament by wearing a “DA|RB” patch on their jerseys to honor the memories of Adili and Rene Baterbonia.

Adili’s father, Elias, was accompanied by his wife, Ifeoma Joy, to watch Ateneo’s game for the first time.

It was an emotional moment for the Adilis, who arrived on Sunday.

“I’m delighted to be here but I wish I am watching my son but I really appreciate what I see because I know that my son is there. Divine and Rene, they are there. They might be invisible but I know my son is there,” Ifeoma Joy.

Elias added that it was always his son’s desire to have his parents on the stands to watch him play.

“I believe the game is for Divine and Rene and we are supposed to watch Divine play. He promised us that but he's now cut short,” he said.

“Divine made us to be fan of Ateneo. He took us to New Era and brought us to Ateneo and we have supported Ateneo (ever since). It's unfortunate. What has happened, happened. And I pray for their soul to rest in peace.”

Baternonia’s mother, Rovelyn, was also in the building but declined to grant an interview.