Kieffer Alas took over in the closing minutes as Ateneo de Manila University erased a late deficit and defeated National University, 87-76, in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Alas had struggled to find his rhythm for most of the contest but came alive in the final stretch, scoring 10 of his 18 points in the last 2:34 to turn Ateneo’s 73-74 deficit into an 11-point victory.
The result gave the Blue Eagles their third win in four games and moved them into sole possession of the top spot in the standings at 3-1. Ateneo has now won two straight.
The Blue Eagles endured a difficult opening half, falling behind by 16 points at 38-22 midway through the second quarter, but Ateneo mounted a huge response behind Shawn Tuano and Andrew Bongo to take a 45-40 halftime lead.
NU managed to stay within striking distance in the second half and briefly regained the lead late in the game, but Alas’ late scoring burst settled the contest in Ateneo’s favor.
The defeat dropped the Bulldogs to 2-2, leaving them level with University of Santo Tomas in fifth and sixth places in the standings. (Adrian Co)
