ATENEO de Manila University and University of the Philippines (UP) aim for win number two when they clash in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
Game time is 5:30 p.m.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles opened their campaign with an emotional 101-74 victory over University of the East (UE) on Wednesday, dedicating their victory to teammates Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who both drowned in the tragic training camp in Aurora during the off season.
Now mentored by Louie Alas, Ateneo was led by the coach’s son, Kieffer Alas, who dropped 24 points in his UAAP debut.
“I feel like this was just an introduction to Ateneo. After everything that happened, everyone counted us out. I hope na slowly we can build ourselves back up to bring ourselves where we want to be,” the young Alas said.
“Especially with Divine’s parents being here, we just dedicated this. Until they’re here, we’re going to dedicate our games to them. We’re just a family here.” The families of Adili and Baterbonia were present on opening day, inspiring the Blue Eagles to victory.
Ateneo’s mettle, however, will be tested by last season’s runner up UP Fighting Maroons, who also started the season strong with a 92-85 win over University of Santo Tomas.
UP’s foreign student athlete from Nigeria Francis Nnoruka made a doubledouble performance of 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Rey Remogat added 11 points and 7 assists against the Growling Tigers.
In the other game, UE and National University aim to bouncve back from opening day setbacks when they collide at 3 p.m.
NU lost to De La Salle University, 87- 89, last Sunday.
