Eagles win opener for Baterbonia, Adili
MANILA, Philippines — Buoyed by grief, honor and memory, Ateneo turned its first game since the tragedy that took Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia into a statement – a 101-74 demolition of UE to open the Louie Alas era yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
With “DA” and “RB” patches over their hearts, the Blue Eagles wasted no time and blitzed the Red Warriors with a 20-point lead in the first half and never looked back, cruising to a 27-point debut win that extended UE’s woes to 21 straight losses in three seasons and counting.
But for the boys from Loyola who linked arms in a moment of silence before tip-off, it was more than just a win.
It was the first, courageous step in a long healing process – made even more poignant with the families of Adili and Baterbonia in attendance for Ateneo’s first game more than three months since the incident.
“We just want to thank God for allowing us to play. Despite the tragedy that happened to us, we’re still allowed to play the game that we all love,” said new assistant coach RJ Jazul, who spoke on behalf of Alas after the head coach lost his voice during the emotional debut.
Kieffer Alas, son of the head coach and a former UAAP juniors MVP from La Salle and FIBA Asia Mythical 5 for Batang Gilas, announced a roaring arrival in the collegiate ranks with 24 points, four rebounds and an assist in just 20 minutes.
abtestabtest Pinoys all in for Eala By Nelson Beltran | 1 day ago They’re all in. PSC. POC. PHILTA. The Senate. All behind Alex Eala. Sports Alas spikers on verge of Asiad ouster after lopsided loss to China By Joey Villar | 8 hours ago Alas Pilipinas found China’s Great Wall hard to scale and received a 25-18, 25-22, 25-8 beating that sent the former... Sports Record field looms in AOG functional fitness tilt By Ralph Edwin Villanueva | 7 hours ago All out, indeed. Sports Cone lauds Gilas players despite loss By Joaquin Henson | 1 day ago Gilas head coach Tim Cone said yesterday the 12 cagers who answered the late call to suit up at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games... Sports Raptors confirm Leonard return after Clippers salary cap scandal 12 hours ago The Toronto Raptors have finally acquired Kawhi Leonard back from the Los Angeles Clippers, in a trade that was delayed due... Sports Latest More in Sports Filipinas to ignite charge Why Cone sat out China game Sunrise Sprint: Exciting aperitif to 5150 Tri Perpetual, EAC clash in intriguing rematch abtest SSL grows bigger By John Bryan Ulanday | 14 minutes ago National U stakes its dynasty against 16 rivals in the biggest edition of the Shakeys’ Super League Unity Cup... Sports When beauty pageant is a sport By Joaquin M. Henson | 14 minutes ago Four beauty queens visited the ANTA store on the second floor of Gateway 2 Mall the other day for a photo shoot and a private shopping experience in conjunction with the sports brand’s involvement as the official... Sports Tigers hold off Archers for first win By Ralph Edwin Villanueva | 3 hours ago University of Santo Tomas grinded one out against defending champion La Salle, 80-75, to notch its first win in the UAAP... Sports 'Divine is there': Adili's parents watch Blue Eagles win one for their son By Ralph Edwin Villanueva | 5 hours ago Divine Adili’s parents have long wanted to watch their son play in a UAAP game. Sports Recommended Chiz OKs presentation of VP’s SALNs from 2007 1 day ago The Senate impeachment court will scrutinize Vice President Sara Duterte’s financial records starting from her time... SportsFRANCIS ESCUDERO VP Sara ready to replace Marcos, says spokesperson 1 day ago Vice President Sara Duterte is ready to replace President Marcos in case the latter resigns, according to her spokesman.... SportsPAOLO PANELO Congress urged: Permanently remove system loss charge 1 day ago It’s now the turn of Congress – the Senate and the House of Representatives – to do its part in giving relief... SportsELECTRICITY DOJ summons Padilla over Bato’s escape from Senate 1 day ago For helping fugitive Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa escape from the Senate in May, the Department of Justice has... SportsROBINHOOD PADILLARONALD “BATO” DELA ROSA Pinoys all in for Eala 1 day ago They’re all in. PSC. POC. PHILTA. The Senate. All behind Alex Eala. SportsALEX EALA next Recommended Chiz OKs presentation of VP’s SALNs from 2007 The Senate impeachment court will scrutinize Vice President Sara Duterte’s financial records starting from her time as a local official in Davao City to establish a “baseline” for her wealth, presiding officer Sen. Francis Escudero said yesterday. 1 day ago FRANCIS ESCUDERO VP Sara ready to replace Marcos, says spokesperson Vice President Sara Duterte is ready to replace President Marcos in case the latter resigns, according to her spokesman. 1 day ago PAOLO PANELO Congress urged: Permanently remove system loss charge It’s now the turn of Congress – the Senate and the House of Representatives – to do its part in giving relief to consumers burdened by high electricity bills, by passing a law that would permanently remove the system loss charges, Rep. Arthur Yap of Murang Kuryente party-list said yesterday. 1 day ago ELECTRICITY DOJ summons Padilla over Bato’s escape from Senate For helping fugitive Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa escape from the Senate in May, the Department of Justice has summoned Sen. Robinhood Padilla over allegations of obstruction of justice. 1 day ago ROBINHOOD PADILLA RONALD “BATO” DELA ROSA Pinoys all in for Eala They’re all in. PSC. POC. PHILTA. The Senate. All behind Alex Eala. 1 day ago ALEX EALA OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!
