Ateneo De Manila University super rookie Kieffer Alas came five points short of resetting the scoring gold standard for a freshman in a debut game in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament.

His impressive offensive performance highlighted the Blue Eagles’ rousing start in Season 89 following aa tragic offseason that almost cost them their participation in the tournament.

Alas dropped 24 points in Ateneo’s 101-74 drubbing of University of the East at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday – exactly on the 100th day since the tragic deaths of Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia in a drowning incident in a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on 8 June.

However, Alas downplayed his explosive debut as he and Ateneo remain focused on the big picture.

“Honestly, just probably staying the course because it’s only Game 1 out of the 14 in the regular season,” said Alas, whose point production came close to Gilas Pilipinas sniper Jerrick Ahanmisi’s 28 markers in his first game for Adamson University a decade ago.

“So, just have to stay consistent. Just not thinking about what we can do individually or even more. It's more on what we can do to reach our goals first in the Final Four, then the next step, the next step, the next step.”

Alas shot 8-of-16 from the field, including three triples, while adding four rebounds and an assist in nearly 21 minutes of action for Ateneo.

The Blue Eagles came into the season reeling from the loss of the two student-athletes and a sudden coaching change after long-time tactician Tab Baldwin resigned and was replaced by Louie Alas in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Ateneo waited in uncertainty for some time before getting the green light to participate and try to end a two-season Final Four drought.

For Alas, starting their campaign on a bright note is just a preview of how determined the Blue Eagles are to rise above adversity and tragedy.  

“Well, I mean, not really satisfied in a way because we haven't really reached the goal as a team that we want to achieve,” Alas said.

“So, I feel like, yes it helps with our confidence, but I feel like we're still getting there. So, not really much.”