UAAP: Kieffer Alas says talk with Divine Adili's parents 'lifted our spirits' as Ateneo dedicates season to late teammates

The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles opened their UAAP Season 89 campaign with a 101-74 victory over the University of the East, starting the season on a high note months after the tragic June 8 incident that led to the untimely passing of Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia.

Prior to their season opener, however, Kieffer Alas and the Blue Eagles met with Adili’s parents, which the rookie said lifted their spirits.

READ MORE | UAAP: Divine Adili's parents attend Ateneo game as league honors late Adili, Rene Baterbonia

“Especially after our kamustahan with the parents, I feel like that lifted our spirits even more. Going into it, we were thinking about how we would adjust to the crowd compared to our preseason. It’s going to be different, of course, because this is the UAAP. But once we met them, I feel like it lifted our spirits even more as a team,” Alas said.

“Especially with their support, knowing what we’ve been through, I’m just happy because they have our backs.”

Team captain Jared Bahay, meanwhile, said the game was a must-win, especially with Divine’s parents watching from the sidelines.

“I just told them (Divine’s parents) that we dedicate the whole season to Divine and Rene. But for this game, since you are here, we dedicate it to you guys. I made sure all my teammates heard what I said so they would know that we couldn’t lose today because you guys are here,” Bahay said in a mix of Filipino and English.

Ateneo's Jared Bahay and Kieffer Alas talk about their interaction with Divine Adili's parents @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/uPCkVZ2g1n

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) September 17, 2026

Adili’s parents are also expected to watch the Blue Eagles’ game on Saturday against the University of the Philippines.

—JMB, GMA News