Romwel Anzures

Ateneo de Manila University’s Kieffer Alas (#1) against Our Lady of Fatima Univertsity in the 2026 PinoyLiga Cup-The Big Dance Round of 28, August 16, 2026. Photo from PinoyLiga Cup.

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<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786864108605IMG_1655.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Ateneo de Manila University’s Kieffer Alas (#1) against Our Lady of Fatima Univertsity in the 2026 PinoyLiga Cup-The Big Dance Round of 28, August 16, 2026. Photo from PinoyLiga Cup.MANILA (UPDATED) — After over two months, Ateneo de Manila University returned to competitive basketball as it continued to navigate the loss of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.</div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/6/8/uaap-ateneo-s-adili-baterbonia-pass-away-in-drowning-incident-1959">READ: Ateneo’s Adili, Baterbonia pass away in drowning incident</a></div>Now led by head coach Louie Alas, Ateneo overcame Our Lady of Fatima University, 71-60, in the 2026 PinoyLiga Cup-The Big Dance Round of 28 in front of a vocal home crowd at the Blue Eagle Gym in Katipunan on Sunday.Leading Ateneo’s charge was prized rookie Kieffer Alas, who finished with 12 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a steal as the Blue Eagles returned to action for the first time since the June 8 drowning tragedy in Dipaculao, Aurora, which claimed the lives of Baterbonia and Adili.For Coach Alas, being able to return to the court and honor their fallen brothers through basketball was already a significant moment for the Blue Eagles.“Hindi kami nag-usap nung post game. We just praised God for allowing us to play, and we’re very thankful,” he said as Ateneo advanced to the Round of 16.Before the game, Ateneo and OLFU observed a moment of silence in remembrance of Baterbonia and Adili.The Blue Eagles had to overcome a slow, emotional start against a determined Phoenix side, with Ateneo only gaining control in the final period against their NAASCU counterparts.<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/8/16/ateneo-head-coach-louie-alas-says-blue-eagles-early-struggles-expected-in-return-1324">Alas expected</a> the adjustment period, especially with the game serving as Ateneo’s first competitive outing since its lone appearance in the 19th FilOil Preseason Cup, a 72-52 win over Adamson University on June 6.The Blue Eagles also drew support from the blue-and-white faithful, who, alongside their familiar drums, continued to rally behind Ateneo as it secured the victory.“Expected ko yung struggle. But the way we practiced in the last two weeks, alam ko na we will cope up,” said the three-time NCAA champion coach.Travis Roberts also contributed to the win with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Jared Bahay added seven points and seven rebounds.Ateneo now awaits the winner between College of Saint Benilde and San Pedro College of Business Administration in the Round of 16 as it continues its preparation for the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament in September.Meanwhile, Mamadou Toure led OLFU with 21 points, four rebounds, and two blocks, but the loss ended the Phoenix’s campaign in the tournament.<div>The Scores:</div>Ateneo 71 – Roberts 17, Alas 12, Espina 9, Bahay 7, Espinosa 6, Leal 6, Rogers 6, Kapihe 5, Baruwa 3, Reyes 0, Cainglet 0, Asoro 0.OLFU 60 – Toure 21, Bencalo 12, Labayen 6, Mecha 5, Suelto 5, Templonuevo 4, Mapua 3, Cruz 2, Satparam 2, Agapito 0, Melecio 0, Bayaca 0, Alfaro 0.Quarterscores: 15-15, 35-33, 50-47, 71-60.

After over two months, Ateneo de Manila University made its return to playing competitive basketball.

After over two months, Ateneo de Manila University made its return to playing competitive basketball.

PinoyLiga: Ateneo triumphant in return, overcomes OLFU

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PinoyLiga: Ateneo triumphant in return, overcomes OLFU

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 16, 2026 10:40 AM PHT

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Updated August 16, 2026 03:11 PM PHT

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ABSSports

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UAAP Season 89

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Ateneo

Rene Baterbonia

Divine Adili

Kieffer Alas

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