MANILA — Rookie Kieffer Alas delivered two pressure-packed free throws in the dying seconds as Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles survived a furious Far Eastern University Tamaraws comeback, 75-72, to snap a three-game losing streak and revive their Final Four hopes in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Alas finished with a game-high 21 points, including the decisive free throws with three seconds remaining, as the Blue Eagles nearly squandered an 11-point advantage in the final two minutes before escaping with their fourth victory in eight games.
Ateneo appeared headed for a comfortable victory after establishing a 73-62 lead with less than two minutes left, but FEU staged a stunning 10-0 run behind Jedric Daa, Jorick Bautista and Mo Konateh to threaten a dramatic reversal.
The Tamaraws pulled within a single point, 72-73, before Alas calmly converted both free throws to give the Blue Eagles a three-point cushion.
FEU had one final opportunity to force overtime, but Janrey Pasaol missed a potential game-tying three-pointer as Ateneo held on for the crucial victory.
Jared Bahay provided offensive support for the Blue Eagles with 15 points, while Sultan Baruwa registered a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds.
The victory was particularly satisfying for Ateneo, which avenged its humiliating 93-70 defeat to FEU in the opening round while ending a three-game slump that had threatened its postseason aspirations.
More importantly, the result kept the Blue Eagles firmly in contention for a Final Four berth as the battle for the remaining semifinal spots intensified.
Ateneo improved to a 4-4 win-loss record, joining a tightly contested group involving FEU, De La Salle University, Adamson University and the University of Santo Tomas in the race for postseason qualification.
Bautista spearheaded the Tamaraws with 18 points, while Konateh contributed 12. Kirby Mongcopa and Cabs Cabonillas added 11 points apiece in the losing effort.
Meanwhile, National University Bulldogs strengthened their position in the standings with a dominant 79-43 demolition of Adamson University Falcons to improve their record to 6-2.
After a closely contested opening quarter that ended with NU holding a slim 20-19 advantage, the Bulldogs unleashed a suffocating defensive effort in the second period, limiting the Falcons to just five points while stretching their lead to 40-24 at halftime.
NU continued its relentless assault after the break, outscoring Adamson, 23-10, in the third quarter to build an insurmountable 63-34 advantage entering the final period.
The Bulldogs maintained their dominance in the closing quarter, 16-9, to complete the 36-point rout and secure their sixth victory of the season.
Tebol Garcia paced NU with 14 points, while PJ Palacielo added 12 as the Bulldogs showcased their balanced scoring and defensive intensity against the struggling Falcons./PN
