MANILA — Ateneo de Manila University made an emotional return to competitive basketball on Sunday, pulling away in the fourth quarter to defeat Our Lady of Fatima University, 71-60, in the Pinoyliga Big Dance at the Blue Eagles Gym — its first game since the Aurora tragedy two months ago.
The Blue Eagles shook off a sluggish start and a determined challenge from the Phoenix before taking control in the final period, turning a slim three-point advantage into a commanding lead to seal their comeback victory.
One-and-done recruit Travis Roberts spearheaded Ateneo with 17 points and seven rebounds, earning Player of the Game honors in his first competitive appearance with the Blue Eagles.
Kieffer Alas chipped in 12 points, while Jared Bahay provided crucial plays down the stretch as Ateneo finally broke away from OLFU.
The Blue Eagles carried only a 50-47 advantage into the fourth quarter but stepped up on both ends of the floor to stretch their lead to 71-55 before the Phoenix scored the final five points.
Ateneo head coach Louie Alas said he anticipated some early struggles from his players following their long absence from competition.
“Expected ko ‘yung struggle sa early part, but with the way we practiced last two weeks, sabi ko eventually we’ll go back to this,” Alas said.
The victory, however, carried significance beyond the final score for a Blue Eagles team still dealing with the loss of two of its members.
“‘Di kami nag-usap noong post-game; we just thanked God for allowing us to play, ‘yun lang talaga honestly, and we’re very thankful,” Alas added.
Mamadou Toure led OLFU with 21 points, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal, while Keith Bencalo contributed 12 points.
Sunday’s contest was Ateneo’s first since Blue Eagles Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili died during an off-campus team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8.
The tragedy forced Ateneo away from competition for two months before the Blue Eagles finally returned to the court with a victory./PN
