Ateneo Executes Dramatic OT Comeback to Triumph Over FEU in Season 88 Opening Match

Ateneo Secures Thrilling Victory Over FEU in UAAP Season 88 opener

MANILA, Philippines – A remarkable comeback fueled by jared Bahay and debutant Kymani Ladi propelled Ateneo too an 86-83 win over Far Eastern University (FEU) in the Season 88 opener of the university Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament. The game, held at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion, was a display of resilience and clutch performances.

Ateneo’s Comeback From behind

Trailing by six points in overtime, Ateneo faced a daunting challenge. However, bahay stepped up, delivering crucial three-pointers that ignited the team’s resurgence. Ladi, making his first appearance in UAAP action, sealed the victory with a go-ahead basket, showcasing his potential as a key player for the blue Eagles.

Key Performances Drive Ateneo’s Success

Bahay’s sharpshooting expertise proved pivotal during the critical overtime period. His ability to create space and connect from beyond the arc shifted the momentum in Ateneo’s favor. Ladi,a highly-touted recruit,demonstrated composure and skill under pressure,solidifying his position as a player to watch in the tournament.

Did You Know? The UAAP is the oldest collegiate athletic league in the Philippines, with a rich history dating back to 1938.

Game Statistics: Ateneo vs. FEU

Team	Final Score
Ateneo	86
Far Eastern University (FEU)	83

The victory marked a strong start for Ateneo in their campaign for the UAAP championship. The team’s ability to overcome adversity and capitalize on key moments will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of the season.

Pro Tip: In collegiate basketball, the ability to maintain composure and execute during crunch time is often the difference between victory and defeat.

Looking ahead: UAAP Season 88

Ateneo’s triumph sets the stage for an exciting season filled with competitive matchups and emerging talents. The UAAP continues to be a breeding ground for future professional basketball players, and this season promises to be no exception. Fans can expect intense rivalries and thrilling games throughout the tournament.

The UAAP has a long and storied tradition of developing remarkable basketball players. Many athletes who have competed in the league have gone on to achieve success in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and even internationally.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the UAAP? The UAAP is the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, a collegiate league featuring top universities in the country.
2. Who won the game between Ateneo and FEU? Ateneo defeated Far Eastern University with a score of 86-83.
3. Who were the key players for Ateneo in this game? Jared Bahay and Kymani Ladi were instrumental in Ateneo’s victory.
4. Where was the game played? The game was held at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.
5. What happened during overtime? Ateneo overcame a six-point deficit in overtime thanks to key baskets from bahay and Ladi.

What are your predictions for the rest of the UAAP Season 88? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What adjustments did Coach Baldwin make after the first quarter, adn how did they impact the game?

First Quarter Fireworks & Early FEU Control

the highly anticipated opening game of UAAP Season 88 delivered a classic, with the Ateneo Blue Eagles overcoming the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws 85-81 in overtime. The game, played on September 20, 2025, at the Mall of Asia Arena, showcased a back-and-forth battle from the tip-off. FEU came out firing,establishing an early lead fueled by aggressive drives and sharp shooting from guard RJ Garcia. Garcia, a key player for the tamaraws, finished with 22 points, consistently attacking the basket and drawing fouls.Ateneo struggled to find their rhythm offensively in the first quarter, committing early turnovers and facing tight defense. The Tamaraws’ physicality proved challenging for the Blue Eagles’ perimeter players.

ateneo Adjusts, Battles Back in the Second & Third Quarters

ateneo Head Coach Tab Baldwin made crucial adjustments heading into the second quarter, emphasizing ball movement and utilizing the inside presence of center Geo Chiu. Chiu, a dominant force in the paint, began to establish himself, scoring key baskets and grabbing crucial rebounds. The Blue Eagles slowly chipped away at FEU’s lead, with guard SJ Belangel providing a spark off the bench with his perimeter shooting. Belangel’s three-pointers helped Ateneo close the gap, entering halftime trailing by just four points.

The third quarter saw a continued surge from Ateneo. forward Dave Ildefonso, known for his all-around game, began to impact both ends of the floor, contributing points, rebounds, and assists. Ateneo’s defensive intensity also increased, forcing FEU into more difficult shots. Though, FEU responded with their own adjustments, relying on the veteran leadership of forward Xander Paras to maintain their composure. the quarter ended with Ateneo taking a slim one-point lead, setting the stage for a thrilling fourth quarter.

fourth Quarter Drama & A Tamaraw Surge

The fourth quarter was a nail-biter. Both teams traded baskets, with neither able to establish a notable lead. FEU’s Garcia continued to be a scoring threat, while Ateneo leaned on the balanced attack of Ildefonso, Chiu, and Belangel. With under two minutes remaining,FEU went on a 7-2 run,regaining the lead and seemingly poised to close out the game. Ateneo, however, refused to surrender. A clutch three-pointer from Belangel tied the game with just 30 seconds left. FEU had a chance to win it at the buzzer, but Paras’s layup rimmed out, sending the game into overtime. Key moments included several contested rebounds and crucial defensive stops by both teams.

Overtime Thrills: Ateneo Seals the Victory

Overtime was a showcase of resilience and clutch performances. Ateneo came out strong, scoring the first five points of the extra period. Ildefonso continued his stellar play, driving to the basket and drawing fouls. FEU struggled to regain their composure, committing costly turnovers and missing key shots. Ateneo’s defense tightened up,forcing FEU into difficult possessions. With under a minute remaining, Ateneo held a four-point lead. FEU made a late push, but Ateneo held on to secure the 85-81 victory. Ildefonso finished with a game-high 24 points and 10 rebounds, earning him Player of the Game honors.

Key players & Statistical Highlights

* Dave Ildefonso (Ateneo): 24 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists

* RJ Garcia (FEU): 22 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists

* SJ Belangel (Ateneo): 18 points (6 three-pointers)

* Geo Chiu (Ateneo): 14 points, 8 rebounds

* Xander Paras (FEU): 12 points, 7 rebounds

Team Statistics:

* Ateneo: Field Goal Percentage: 45%, Three-Point Percentage: 32%, Rebounds: 42, Assists: 20, Turnovers: 15

* FEU: Field Goal Percentage: 42%, Three-point Percentage: 28%, Rebounds: 38, Assists: 18, Turnovers: 18

Coaching Strategies & Game-changing Moments

Coach Baldwin’s adjustments after the first quarter were pivotal to Ateneo’s comeback. Emphasizing interior scoring and improving defensive rotations allowed the Blue Eagles to regain control of the game. FEU Coach Olsen Racela’s strategy of utilizing Garcia’s aggressiveness was effective, but the Tamaraws struggled to find consistent scoring from other sources. The turning point of the game arguably came in overtime when Ateneo’s defense forced two consecutive turnovers, leading to easy baskets and a pleasant lead.

UAAP Season 88 Outlook: Early Contenders Emerge

This opening game immediately establishes Ateneo and FEU as early contenders in