The Ateneo Blue Eagles fended off a late fightback from the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 73‑68, to return to the winning column in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Soaring Falcons trailed by 13 points late in the fourth quarter, 52‑65, but Mat Edding, Precious Jonah, and Ray Allen Torres sparked a 9‑2 run to cut the deficit to six, 61‑67.
As Adamson continued to claw its way back, Blue Eagles team captain Jared Bahay took over in the closing seconds, knocking down all his free throws to keep the Soaring Falcons at bay and seal the victory for Ateneo.
“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 Blue Eagles interim head coach Louie Alas, who used to play for the Soaring Falcons in the 1980s.
Jared Bahay Spearheads Ateneo Attack
Bahay led the Blue Eagles with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Travis Roberts contributed 14 points and 3 rebounds, while Ian Espinosa finished the game with 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.
For the Soaring Falcons, Jonah led the team with 17 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 blocks, while Edding added 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Torres had 12 points, while Mathew Montebon was limited to just 4 points after a foul‑plagued game.
The Blue Eagles will next face the NU Bulldogs on Saturday, October 3, at 5:30 p.m. at the PhilSports Arena. Earlier that day at 2:00 p.m., the Soaring Falcons will take on the UST Growling Tigers.
