HOOPS

DIVINE INTERVENTION: Adili, Baterbonia parents present as Ateneo soars early

Mark Escarlote · Sep 17, 2026, 12:57 AM

ELIAS and Ifeoma Adili are at courtside to witness Ateneo’s 101-74 win over UE that came exactly 100 days since their son, Divine, perished in a drowning incident. — Photograph courtesy of UAAP

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 (UE), 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.

KIEFFER Alas makes a rousing debut, powering Ateneo to a 101-74 victory over UE in Season 89 UAAP men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena. — Photograph by Joey Sanchez Mendoza for DAILY TRIBUNE

“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.