By Jun Ray Navarres
Jared Bahay delivered a brilliant clutch performance capped off by a game tying back-to -back triples that lift Ateneo to a 86-83 victory over the Far Eastern University Tamaraws to open the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, Saturday.
Trailing 70-66 with a little less than two and a half minutes left in the fourth period, Bahay and Ladi dropped six consecutive points to push Ateneo ahead, 72-70.
Series of exchanges led to FEU’s Jorick Bautista nailing a fadeaway jumper to force the game into overtime.
“Welcome back to the UAAP. It looks like it’s going to be that kind of year. Great for the fans, really exciting,” said Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin.
The Tamaraws capitalized on the momentum set by Bautista, scoring six quick points in the extended period, 80-74.
However, Bahay returned the favor and drilled two long bombs to equalize, followed by a well telegraphed steal to which Ladi converted into a fastbreak layup.
Ladi finished his UAAP debut with an open three to seal the deal for Ateneo, 85-80 with 8.3 sec remaining.
Bautista tried to retaliate with a quick three yet, Bahay stole the ball from Mo Konateh in the next play, giving the Blue Eagles their first win this season.
Still, for coach Tab, it was not the output he expected for the team this season.
“I’m not entirely happy with the quality of our performance at both ends of the floor. There were moments when we played well, but this game was won on talent rather than tactics, coaching, or cohesiveness,” Baldwin admitted.
Ladi led Ateneo with 26 points on 10-of-22 shooting, along with nine rebounds, three assists, and a block. Bahay tallied 13 points including 10 in the final moments of the game to go with the five assist and four steals.
Another one-and-done guard, Dominic Escobar added 16 points and seven rebounds.
On the other hand, Janrey Pasaol flirted with a triple-double, racking up 24 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds, while Bautista also scored 24 points.
The Blue Eagles look to score their second win on Wednesday against UE Red Warriors while the Tamaraws are looking to bounce back on Saturday against National University.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau
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