Ateneo de Manila University leaned on its young guns to finally earn their second win in UAAP Season 87. Jared Bahay and Kristian Porter delivered key performances for the Blue Eagles, leading them to a 70-68 victory over National University in their men's basketball tournament Round 2 clash at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, October 13.
For the fourth time in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament, the NU Bulldogs found themselves on the losing end of a single-possession game. With its second win in the bag, the struggling Ateneo program snapped a three-game slide and forged a triple tie with NU and the FEU Tamaraws at sixth place with identical 2-6 records.
As the Eagles missed forwards Josh Lazaro and Kyle Ong, burly rookie big man Kristian Porter towed the winning cause with 14 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks — all team-highs — while fellow standout freshman Jared Bahay scored 12 with 6 boards and 5 assists.
"Well, it was enough, you know. It was enough to get us over the finish line," said Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin. "I know for the players that it's been a tough first half of the season, and they've stuck together."
The Blue Eagles' bench also stepped up, with several players making significant contributions. Gian Koon scored 10 points, while Miggy Bongo added nine.
NU put up a strong fight, led by John Figueroa's 15 points. However, Ateneo's balanced scoring and timely plays proved to be the difference in the end.
With this victory, Ateneo improved their record to 2-5, while NU fell to 3-4.
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