Ateneo survives FEU in OT as Ladi, Bahay deliver in UAAP Season 88 kickoff

Kymani Ladi lived up to the hype and Jared Bahay delivered in the clutch as Ateneo de Manila University outlasted Far Eastern University in overtime, 86-83, to open the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. 

Ladi, Ateneo's prized one-and-done recruit, dazzled with 26 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and a block in a near double-double outing. Bahay backed him up with 13 points, including two huge triples in OT, along with five assists, four steals, and three rebounds.

The victory signaled Ateneo’s redemption bid after missing the Final Four last season for the first time in 11 years.

Ateneo lost steam in the fourth period after allowing the Tamaraws to stage a 13-0 run that turned Blue Eagles' 65-57 cushion to a 70-65 lead for FEU. 

But Bahay came alive, firing a three-pointer before issuing a pass that led to a Ladi triple and gave Ateneo a 72-70 lead in the final 1:50 of regulation. 

Shawn Tuano then sank a pair of free throws to send Ateneo to a 74-70 lead, before Jorick Bautista knocked down two consecutive jumpers that forced a deadlock and the extra period. 

Bautista continued to wax hot in overtime, draining a pair of freebies before his dime allowed Janrey Pasaol to make it a 78-74 advantage. FEU would take an 80-74 lead off a Kirby Mangcopa basket, but Ateneo one again leaned on Bahay to stage a fightback. 

Bahay buried back-to-back triples before his steal and assist set the stage for a Ladi layup, giving Ateneo a slim 82-80 lead. Ladi then converted a three-pointer from the top of the key for an 85-80 cushion in the final 8.3 ticks.

Bautista tried to rally FEU back by sinking a one-handed triple, but Bahay sealed it with a freebie and a crucial steal against Mo Konateh during a rebound play. 

The loss spoiled a 24-point outing each from Pasaol and Bautista as well as the double-double effort from Konateh, who poured in 11 points and 23 rebounds. 

Scores:

Ateneo (86) – Ladi 26, Escobar 16, Bahay 13, Lazo 9, Adili 7, Espina 5, Bongo 5, Tuano 3, Ong 2, Lazaro 0, Espinosa 0, Gamber 0, Nieto 0.

FEU (83) – Pasaol 24, Bautista 24, Konateh 11, Felipe 7, Montemayor 6, Daa 4, Owens 3, Mongcopa 2, Ona 2, Macapagal 0.

Quarters: 24-22, 40-34, 61-55, 74-74, 86-83 (OT).

—JKC, GMA Integrated News