Blue Eagles begin new chapter with dominant Pinoyliga win at home court

MANILA, Philippines — A new dawn beckons for the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

The Blue Eagles returned to action with a bang, pulling away in the fourth quarter against the Our Lady of Fatima University Phoenix, 71-60, in their Pinoyliga “Big Dance” clash Sunday morning at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.

In their first game since the tragic team-building in Dipaculao, Aurora that claimed the lives of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, Ateneo showed out in front of the home crowd.

Trevor Roberts paced Ateneo with 17 points and seven rebounds. Incoming rookie Kieffer Alas added 12 markers, five boards and two dimes. 

The Blue Eagles led by just three, 50-47, heading into the fourth quarter. 

But they left their opponents in the dust, pulling away with a 17-5 run capped by a layup by Kieffer Alas with 3:22 left in the game to take a commanding 67-52 lead.

While Fatima tried to chip away the lead, dagger jumpshots by Alas and Jared Bahay iced the game.

Mamadou Tore had 21 points and four rebounds for the Phoenix. Keith Bancalo added 12 in the loss. 

Ateneo will now advance to the next round of the tournament, where they will take on either College of St. Benilde or San Pedro College of Business Administration.