Bahay, Alas lead Eagles to repeat win over Bulldogs

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo spoiled National U’s bid for a joint lead, scoring a 69-65 repeat victory to bolster its own Final Four drive in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Jared Bahay and Kieffer Alas conspired in the clutch as the Blue Eagles replicated their 87-76 victory over the Bulldogs to move to 5-4, now tied at No. 3 with reigning champion La Salle.

That stumble back in the first round served as the last loss of the Bulldogs before stringing four straight wins to catch up with league leader UP (7-2) only to hit a roadblock against the Blue Eagles anew.

Alas rifled in 18 points that went with five rebounds, three assists and three steals while Bahay drilled in 16 points on four triples and added three rebounds and two steals.

With Ateneo trailing 59-62 in the final minute, Bahay drained back-to-back treys to give the Blue Eagles a three-point cushion followed by Alas’ another triple for the kill.

“Jared and Kieffer were able to deliver with those big shots. We all know that these two players are winners and big-time players. And they were in this game,” said team manager Nico Salva on behalf of mentor Louie Alas.

In the second game, Far Eastern U (5-4) snapped a costly three-game skid with a 73-66 win over Adamson (4-5) to own solo fifth place and stay in the hunt for a semifinal seat with five games to spare.