Ateneo recovers, thwarts Adamson

Ateneo Blue Eagles regained its winning ways by fending off Adamson University, 73-68, in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.

The Blue Eagles thwarted every attempt by the Soaring Falcons to mount and sustain a run in the fourth quarter, securing the victory and improving their record to 2-1 for solo second place in the standings.

Ateneo interim coach Louie Alas praised his alma mater for its resilience after it battled back from several double-digit deficits in the second half.

“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.

Trailing 52-65 with 4:16 remaining, Adamson mounted a 9-2 run behind Mat Edding, Precious Jonah, and Ray Allen Torres to cut its deficit to six, 61-67, with 1:40 left to play.

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

“After that loss against UP, Coach Louie told us that he really trusts the guards, sabi niya kami ‘yung mag takeover sa team namin. I took it seriously lang, naging accountable ako sa team namin and I just always remind them na sundin ang sistema,” said Bahay, who finished 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.

Meanwhile, Adamson fell to 1-1 and sits in the middle of the standings alongside National University, University of Santo Tomas, and De La Salle University.

Nigerian center Jonah paced the Soaring Falcons with 17 points, eight rebounds, four blocks, and two assists, while Edding continued to impress with 12 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Torres also scored 12 points, while Mathew Montebon was hampered by foul trouble throughout the game, finishing with four points on 2-for-6 shooting from the field in 18 minutes and 35 seconds of playing time.

Matty Erolon was also held in check by the Blue Eagles, managing just one point while missing all five of his attempts from the field in 23 minutes and 21 seconds.

Both teams will return to action next Saturday at the Blue Eagle Gym.

Ateneo will have home-court advantage against NU at 5:30 p.m., while Adamson faces UST at 2 p.m.