Games on Wednesday:

(Mall of Asia Arena)

3 p.m. — UST vs UE

5:30 p.m. — FEU vs La Salle

Ateneo de Manila University interim coach Louie Alas challenged his wards after suffering a blowout loss last week.

His players responded with a mighty rebound after repulsing Adamson University, 73-68, to get back on the winning track in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Blue Eagles answered the Falcons’ repeated attempts to get back in the game in the fourth quarter as they improved to solo second spot with a 2-1 win-loss record.

Veteran guard Jared Bahay paced Ateneo with 18 points, six rebounds and five assists.

One-and-done winger Travis Roberts added 14 points and three rebounds, while Ian Espinosa chipped in 10 points, three rebounds, and three assists.

“After that loss against UP (University of the Philippines), Coach Louie told us that he really trusts the guards. He told us to take over the team. I took it seriously and tried to be accountable to the team. I just always remind them to follow the system,” Bahay said.

Ateneo’s victory regained its confidence following a 75-94 loss to UP before the weeklong break.

“Every team here is capable of beating the other team. So, we have to go to the game well-prepared, especially against Adamson, a well-coached team,” said Alas, who played for the Falcons in the early 1980s.

Adamson trimmed a 13-point deficit to just six, 67-61, with a 9-2 run behind Mat Edding, Nigerian center Precious Jonah, and Ray Allen Torres with 1:40 left in the game.

Earl Medina and Jonah pulled the Falcons to within five twice in the waning seconds, but team captain Jared Bahay remained steady at the freethrow line, restoring the Blue Eagles’ lead to seven on two occasions with a perfect 4-for-4 shooting to preserve the victory.

Jonah had 17 points, eight rebounds, four blocks, and two assists, while Edding continued to impress with 12 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals for Adamson, which fell to a 1-1 card. Torres also scored 12 points.

Meanwhile, Far Eastern University (FEU) got in the win column at the expense of embattled University of the East after scoring a 93-70 drubbing.

Nigerian big man Mo Konateh dominated inside the painted area with 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds while Kirby Mongcopa provided support with a near triple-double of 13 points, 13 boards and six assists for the Tamaraws, who improved to a 1-1 slate.

Reigning Most Valuable Player Janrey Pasaol, Jorick Bautista and Jedric Daa added 12 points each as FEU sent the Red Warriors reeling to a third straight defeat in as many games in their first match sans resigned head coach Chris Gavina and under interim mentor Paulo Hubalde.