Playing against their former championship counterparts, the Ateneo Blue Eagles fell back to down to earth after a strong campaign opener, bowing to the UP Fighting Maroons on Saturday. The loss marked Ateneo’s seventh straight loss against State U.
After both teams traded blows up until the intermission, the Maroons used a 48‑30 second‑half surge and continuous knockout blows in the final minutes, securing a 94‑75 victory to retain their flawless record.
Afterward, Ateneo star rookie Kieffer Alas rued the team’s latter‑half woes while also pointing out the physicality of Philippine basketball after a one‑year stint in the US.
“We just collapsed… We’re just gonna learn from here, nothing else to say,” Alas said postgame. “It’s what I expected, more physical. Coming from the US… It prepared me a lot for this game,” he added.
The loss now brings the Blue Eagles to an even 1‑1 slate, entering a dogfight in the standings with the La Salle Green Archers, NU Bulldogs, and UST Growling Tigers, who all share similar records in the early goings of the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Alas Reaffirms Strong 1‑2 Punch with Jared Bahay
Despite the loss, the Katipunan‑based squad’s backcourt remains in good hands, as the duo of Alas and team captain Jared Bahay ignited the Ateneo offense for the second straight match, combining for a total of 40 markers.
The Season 87 Juniors MVP acknowledged the effective Ateneo offense under new lead tactician Louie Alas but believes the team still needs to learn how to adjust under certain defensive schemes.
“So far, so good. We just have to learn to adjust… I think it’s more of our team defense,” Alas explained. “With our offense, I think everything’s fine. We just have to learn how to stay composed when the other team goes on a run,” he added.
Alas and the Blue Eagles will look to return to the win column after a two‑week break against the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Saturday, September 26, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
