ATENEO de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles erased a 13-point deficit to defeat College of Saint Benilde (CSB) Blazers, 81-78, and advance to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Pinoyliga Big Dance on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The Blue Eagles trailed for most of the first half as the Blazers capitalized on its perimeter shooting, drilling seven three-pointers in the opening quarter and building a 13-point advantage.
Ateneo gradually cut into the deficit behind Jared Bahay and Kieffer Alas, entering halftime down by just five, 53-48.
The Blue Eagles continued their comeback after the break, with Alas and Chris Roberts combining for 12 of Ateneo’s 15 third-quarter points. Their efforts helped the hosts erase the deficit and level the game at 65-all heading into the final period.
Alas then gave Ateneo its first significant lead of the fourth quarter when he connected on a long three-pointer with 5:09 remaining, putting the Blue Eagles ahead, 74-70. Roberts later converted a three-point play to restore Ateneo’s four-point cushion at 79-75.
The Blazers refused to go away, however, as Jhomel Ancheta hit a three-pointer with 15.7 seconds left to cut the deficit, but Alas converted on a basket to seal the Blue Eagles win.
Alas finished with a game-high 26 points, while Roberts added 16. Bahay contributed eight points, with Jared Baruwa and Gabe Espinosa scoring seven apiece.
Benilde was led by Migs Jucom with 19 points. JC Morales added 14, while Ancheta and Justine Sanchez scored 11 each. (Adrian Co)
