MANILA — The Ateneo Blue Eagles finally snapped their longest slump in recent memory as returning center Divine Adili powered a furious fourth-quarter rally to stun the University of the East Red Warriors, 78-74, in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Adili, who missed three games due to back issues, made an immediate impact with a 15-point, 13-rebound double-double, including 10 points in the final frame that fueled Ateneo’s comeback from 11 points down. The win lifted the Blue Eagles to a 5-5 record, halting a demoralizing five-game skid that followed their 4-0 start.
“Regarding Divine, having him back, I don’t think we can overemphasize how important that is,” said head coach Tab Baldwin. “We’ve been a team that, if you study the stats, really struggled around the basket this year… it’s pretty evident that when Divine is out there, it changes the dynamic for the team, and we got more out of him today than we expected.”
The Red Warriors appeared in control for most of the contest, leading 63-52 late in the third period and 64-57 entering the fourth. But Ateneo, anchored by Adili and Kymani Ladi, stormed back. Adili’s layup at the 3:46 mark gave the Blue Eagles a 72-71 advantage before UE’s John Abate briefly reclaimed the lead with a three-point play, 74-72.
That proved to be the Red Warriors’ last basket. Ateneo closed out the game with clutch free throws from Ian Espinosa and Adili, who combined to convert six of ten in the final 1:42 to seal the victory.
Ladi paced the Blue Eagles with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Espinosa added 13 markers. UE’s Precious Momowei once again posted monster numbers with 19 points, 18 rebounds, and four assists, while Abate chipped in 18 points.
The triumph not only revived Ateneo’s Final Four hopes but also restored its trademark grit and poise under pressure — hallmarks that had been missing during its midseason collapse.
Meanwhile, in the other game, Harold Alarcon drained the go-ahead jumper as the UP Fighting Maroons escaped the UST Growling Tigers, 89-88./PN
BOX SCORE
ATENEO 78 – Ladi 16, Adili 15, Espinosa 13, Escobar 11, Tuano 9, Espina 7, Lazaro 4, Bongo 3, Bahay 0, Lazo 0, Fjellvang 0.
UE 74 – Momowei 19, Lingolingo 19, Abate 18, Despi 8, Datumalim 6, Robles 2, Cruz-Dumont 2, Caoile 0, Lagat 0, Malaga 0.
Quarters: 18-21, 39-40, 57-64, 78-74.
