Historic Triple Overtime Sends Ateneo Down to 4-2 in UAAP Season 88
The Ateneo Blue Eagles endured a heartbreaking 89-98 defeat to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers in a groundbreaking triple-overtime clash on October 11 at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City. Returning to the Loyola campus after two decades, the game marked UAAP history as the league’s first three-overtime finish since adopting the Final Four format in 1993. With the loss, Ateneo slides to third in the standings with a 4-2 record as they wrap up their opening-round schedule.
Key Performers Fuel the Drama
For Ateneo, Team Captains Jared Bahay and Kymani Ladi carried the load, scoring 17 and 14 points respectively and providing late-game spark in a battle that stretched into the final horn. Ladi’s timely shooting and Bahay’s poise in clutch moments kept the Blue Eagles within striking distance through regulation and the extra sessions.
UST counters with a balanced scoring attack. Nic Cabañero led the way with 22 points, complemented by 20 points from Forthsky Padrigao and Collins Akowe, who delivered efficient offenses across the extra periods. Akowe’s veteran presence and Padrigao’s timely baskets were pivotal as the Tigers weathered Ateneo’s runs in the overtime frames.
How the Game Unfolded
The Blue Eagles seized momentum early, typifying a fast-paced, transition-heavy game plan. A fastbreak layup by Shawn Tuano signaled Ateneo’s intent, followed by a top-of-the-key triple from Ladi that stretched the lead to 8-2. Tuano continued to attack the rim, extending Ateneo’s advantage as Dom Escobar and Ladi combined for productive trips to the free-throw line, moving the lead to double digits.
UST stormed back in the second period, unleashing a 13-0 run that flipped the script and put Ateneo on the back foot. Jaden Lazo answered with a corner three to force a 33-all deadlock, but the Tigers’ pressure kept the game within reach. The second half featured a see-saw battle, with both teams trading baskets and leadership as Adili and Ladi anchored the Blue Eagles while Akowe anchored UST’s frontline.
The fourth quarter produced a gripping finish as Crisostomo and Espinosa traded layups until Escobar ignited Ateneo with a jumper, steal, and layup that briefly put the Blue Eagles ahead. The stage was set for extra sessions after a late turnover on an inbounds play prevented Ateneo from sealing it in regulation.
Overtime Chaos and the Final Verdict
The first overtime was a back-and-forth affair, with Crisostomo and Bahay trading big plays and Padrigao answering from distance to keep things level. The Tigers finally created separation late in the extra frame, but Ateneo barged back, forcing a second OT on Bahay’s three-pointer and a crucial defensive stop.
In the second overtime, Bahay’s three and Lazaro’s jumper briefly tipped the scales in favor of the Blue Eagles. Despite this, Akowe and Cabañero continued to apply pressure, and a decisive Akowe lay-in plus a clutch free-throw sequence helped UST pull away in the third overtime, sealing the 98-89 win for the Growling Tigers.
What’s Next for Ateneo
With a hard-fought showing against a familiar foe, Ateneo looks ahead to a pivotal matchup against National University (NU) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, October 18, at 2:00 PM. The Blue Eagles will aim to rebound from this marathon loss by tightening execution and preserving possessions in the late minutes of tight games.
Box score snapshot: Ateneo (89): Bahay 17, Ladi 14, Escobar 13, Tuano 12, Adili 10, Espinosa 9, Lazo 8, Lazaro 4, Bongo 2. UST (98): Cabañero 22, Padrigao 20, Akowe 20, Crisostomo 18, Llemit 7, Paranada 5, Acido 4, Buenaflor 2.
Current Standings (W-L): Ateneo 4-2, UST 3-3, NU and others looming as the race tightens in UAAP Season 88.
Related Coverage
UAAP Season 88 basketball narrative continues to unfold as teams adjust to a packed early schedule and the evolving competitive landscape. Stay tuned for post-game analysis and player spotlights from the Ateneo and UST camps.
