KIEFFER Alas continued to make his case as Ateneo de Manila University’s offensive leader, powering the Blue Eagles past Mapua University, 83-70, in the Pinoyliga Big Dance Final Four on Saturday at the Blue Eagles Gym.
Alas posted 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a block to earn Player of the Game honors as Ateneo secured its third straight victory since returning to competition following the Aurora tragedy.
The Blue Eagles controlled the game from start to finish, taking a 16-14 lead after the opening quarter before extending their advantage to 42-38 at halftime.
Ateneo maintained its cushion in the third period, outscoring Mapua, 20-16, to enter the final quarter ahead, 62-54. The Blue Eagles then pulled away further by taking the fourth, 21-16, to seal the 13-point victory.
Travis Roberts contributed 10 points for Ateneo, while EJ Kapihe and Grayson Rogers chipped in nine each.
Yam Concepcion led Mapua with 21 points, while Lance Nitura added 16 in the losing effort.
The victory keeps Ateneo’s Pinoyliga run alive as the Blue Eagles continue to build momentum in their return to competition.
The team’s campaign marks its first stretch of games since the June 8 deaths of Blue Eagles Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia and Divine Adili during an off-campus team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora. (Adrian Co)
