Romwel Anzures

Ateneo de Manila University against Our Lady of Fatima Univertsity in the 2026 PinoyLiga Cup-The Big Dance Round of 28, August 16, 2026. Photo from PinoyLiga Cup.

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787488297906IMG_1705.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Ateneo de Manila University against Our Lady of Fatima Univertsity in the 2026 PinoyLiga Cup-The Big Dance Round of 28, August 16, 2026. Photo from PinoyLiga Cup."/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Ateneo de Manila University against Our Lady of Fatima Univertsity in the 2026 PinoyLiga Cup-The Big Dance Round of 28, August 16, 2026. <em>Photo from PinoyLiga Cup.</em></span></span></span>MANILA — Ateneo de Manila University showed signs of promise as it progressed in its campaign in the 2026 PinoyLiga Cup-The Big Dance.</div><p>Inspired by its home crowd at the Blue Eagle Gym on Sunday, the 21st-seeded Ateneo crawled back from a 13-point deficit to eliminate No. 5 College of Saint Benilde with an 81-78 win and secure its spot in the quarterfinals.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/8/23/pinoyliga-kieffer-alas-shines-as-ateneo-ousts-benilde-in-thriller-1933"><strong>PinoyLiga: Kieffer Alas shines as Ateneo ousts Benilde in thriller</strong></a></div><p>Head coach Louie Alas, however, emphasized that the bigger victory for their program is having the opportunity to return to action as they continue to cope with the tragic passing of <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/6/8/uaap-ateneo-s-adili-baterbonia-pass-away-in-drowning-incident-1959"><strong>Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.</strong></a></p><p>“Although we’re coping, ang biggest healing namin is to play,” said Alas, as they logged their second straight win in the tournament. “Like nung first game, sabi ko nga we praise God for that, ngayon we praise and praise God for that. Kung manalo kami sa Sabado, tatlo na yun.”</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/8/16/pinoyliga-ateneo-triumphant-in-return-overcomes-olfu-1040"><strong>PinoyLiga: Ateneo triumphant in return, overcomes OLFU</strong></a></div><p>Despite facing a Benilde side that was without its reigning two-time MVP Allen Liwag, the Blue Eagles struggled to find their groove early in the match and even allowed the Blazers to build a 48-35 cushion with still two minutes left in the first half.</p><p>But while Kieffer Alas and Travis Roberts provided energy on both ends to eventually get the win, the elder Alas maintained that there is no place for such sluggish starts once they take the stage in UAAP Season 89.</p><p>“We started very flat in the first half, but we’re not like that in practice, so back to the drawing board,” he said. “You can’t do that against the UAAP teams. From the first to last second, you need to play consistently. So guidance pa rin, and lots of viewing.”</p><p>Still, Coach Alas reiterated that these on-court adjustments are for him and his fellow coaches to figure out, as their biggest priority right now is to continue healing and honoring Baterbonia and Adili.</p><p>“But itong mga analysis na ‘to, kami lang mga coaches nag-uusap. Again, we didn&#x27;t talk to the players the whole game kasi mas importante sa amin to keep on thanking God,” he emphasized. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Immeasurable character</strong></div><p>Meanwhile, deputy coach and former Blue Eagle Nico Salva said that if there is one thing that the current Ateneo squad has proven throughout its campaign, it is that they are persevering.</p><p>“Yung character nila is very persevering,” he said. “You can see that in the second half, the perseverance that they do each and every day is reflected in the endgame today.”</p><p>And for Salva, this is a good indicator that eventually, things will turn out well in Loyola Heights.</p><p>“Also, I have never seen a team this bonded. They are really close, and I think they’re just going to continue to grow this season,” he said.</p>

<p>Ateneo de Manila University showed signs of promise as it progressed in its campaign in the 2026 PinoyLiga Cup-The Big Dance.</p>

Ateneo de Manila University showed signs of promise as it progressed in its campaign in the 2026 PinoyLiga Cup-The Big Dance.

UAAP: ‘Persevering’ Blue Eagles continue to heal through playing, says Alas

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Basketball

UAAP: ‘Persevering’ Blue Eagles continue to heal through playing, says Alas

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 23, 2026 08:40 PM PHT

|

Updated August 23, 2026 09:17 PM PHT

Read More:

Basketball

UAAP

ABSSports

UAAP Season 89

Ateneo

Kieffer Alas

Rene Baterbonia

Divine Adili

Louie Alas

PinoyLiga

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.