Ateneo Blue Eagles Make Statement Win in UAAP Season 89

The Ateneo Blue Eagles opened the new UAAP season with a resounding 101-74 win over the UE Red Warriors. Rookie Kieffer Alas led the team with 24 points in just 20 minutes of action, while Jared Bahay and Grayson Rogers contributed 17 and 12 points, respectively. The Blue Eagles took a 25-16 lead at the end of the first quarter and cruised to victory, inspired by the presence of Divine Adili's parents, Elias and Ifeoma, who were in attendance. The team wore memorial patches with the initials 'RB' and 'DA' on their jerseys to honor Rene Baterbonia and Adili, who died in a team-building incident in June. Ateneo assistant coach RJ Jazul described the win as a step in the right direction for the team, which is eyeing a return to the Final Four after two seasons of absence.