Historic Triple-Overtime Thriller Redefines UAAP Season 88 Opening
The Ateneo Blue Eagles suffered a dramatic 89-98 loss to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers in a Houston-like showcase of endurance and tenacity. Played at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City on October 11, the first-round encounter in UAAP Season 88 captured the imagination of fans by delivering the league’s first-ever triple-overtime finish since the Final Four era began in 1993.
Returning to the Loyola campus after two decades of travel for UAAP action, Ateneo battled to keep pace with a relentless UST squad that refused to relent. The result left the Blue Eagles at 4-2 in the standings, while the Growling Tigers climbed to a more favorable position early in the season.
Key Performances and Momentum Shifts
Ateneo’s leadership trio stepped up as the game wore on. Team captain Jared Bahay finished with 17 points, while Kymani Ladi added 14, showing poise under the escalating pressure of a marathon game. For UST, Nic Cabañero led the charge with 22 points, supported by Forthsky Padrigao and Collins Akowe, who each contributed 20 markers. The balanced scoring attack from the Growling Tigers proved difficult for Ateneo to slow down, especially in the overtime periods.
From the opening whistle, Ateneo attempted to mirror UST’s fast-paced style, hoping to capitalize on transition opportunities. Shawn Tuano’s early layups and Dom Escobar’s drives helped the Blue Eagles seize an initial double-digit lead. Ateneo also found success from the free-throw line, with Escobar and Ladi using the stripe to widen the gap to 24-14 before the end of the first period.
UST answered with a late second-quarter surge, flipping a 33-20 deficit into a tight game. A 13-0 Tigers run forced Ateneo into a defensive and offensive test that would define the rest of the night. Jaden Lazo’s timely threes and Andrew Bongo’s coast-to-coast finish briefly steadied the ship for the Blue Eagles, but the Tigers closed the third quarter with renewed energy.
The Overtime Saga: A Test of Conditioning and Resolve
The fourth quarter featured a defensive struggle, with both teams trading baskets as fouls mounted. A late Escobar jumper, steal, and layup put Ateneo ahead late, only for a Padrigao three and critical defensive stops to push the game into overtime at 66-66.
The first overtime opened with a flurry of three-pointers from both sides and a series of momentum swings. Bahay delivered back-to-back baskets, while Padrigao and Crisostomo traded baskets with Ladi and Espinosa. The frame ended in a 74-74 stalemate, forcing a second overtime. In the second extra period, UST pulled ahead with a pair of Akowe free throws and a crucial three from Cabañero, setting the stage for a three-overtime finish.
In the third overtime, fatigue began to tell. Ateneo’s defense loosened in the face of Akowe’s power plays and Cabañero’s sustained offense. An Ateneo turnover on an inbound with two seconds left sealed the dramatic result, giving UST a 98-92 edge at the final horn and completing the historic triple-overtime comeback.
Looking Ahead: Road to the UAAP Season 88 Standings
With this loss, Ateneo shifts its focus to a quick rematch slate as it continues its UAAP journey. The Blue Eagles are set to face National University (NU) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, October 18, at 2:00 PM, a contest that will test resilience and strategic adjustments after an emotionally draining defeat.
Box Score Highlights
Ateneo (89): Bahay 17, Ladi 14, Escobar 13, Tuano 12, Adili 10, Espinosa 9, Lazo 8, Lazaro 4, Bongo 2, Espina 0, Fjellvang 0
UST (98): Cabañero 22, Padrigao 20, Akowe 20, Crisostomo 18, Llemit 7, Paranada 5, Acido 4, Buenaflor 2, Calum 0, Estacio 0, Danting 0, Laure 0
Final Thoughts
The triple overtime will be remembered as a landmark in UAAP history, underscoring the grit and competitive spirit of both Ateneo and UST. For Ateneo fans, the heartbreak is real, but the lesson is clear: tighten late-game execution, protect the ball, and leverage every possession in close, high-stakes eras of play. The season’s narrative at UAAP Season 88 continues to unfold, with many more chapters sure to follow.
