UAAP: Kieffer Alas, Jared Bahay lead Ateneo late rally to snap NU's four-game win streak

Kieffer Alas and Jared Bahay led Ateneo de Manila University in the Blue Eagles’ late rally to take down National University, 69-65, in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the win, the Blue Eagles claimed back-to-back victories and improved to 5-4, boosting their Final Four bid. Ateneo also snapped the Bulldogs’ four-game win streak, dropping NU to 6-3.

Trailing 62-59 with less than five minutes left, Bahay drilled back-to-back triples before Alas joined the scoring spree to put Ateneo ahead, 68-62. Macmac Alfanta then halted the barrage with a triple of his own before Alas split his free throws after being fouled by Paul Francisco to seal the victory for the Katipunan crew.

Ateneo held a 42-41 lead at halftime before NU turned the tables and took a 55-53 advantage at the end of the third quarter.

Alas finished with 18 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while Bahay added 16 points for Ateneo.

Meanwhile, Mo Diassana led the Bulldogs with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Reinhard Jumamoy added 16 points.

Scores:

Ateneo 69 – Alas 18, Bahay 16, Kapihe 8, Espinosa 7, Roberts 7, Rogers 5, Tuano 4, Espina 3, Baruwa 1, Cainglet 0, Bongo 0, Leal 0.

NU 65 – Diasanna 17, Jumamoy 16, Padrones 8, Palacielo 6, Garcia 6, Francisco 6, Alfanta 6, Solomon 0, Reyes 0, Laconsay 0, Cartel 0.

Quarters: 24-19, 42-39, 53-53, 69-65.

—JKC, GMA News