Ateneo Blue Eagles claim top UAAP seed with comeback win over NU

The Ateneo Blue Eagles secured the top seed in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament following an 87-76 comeback victory against the National University (NU) Bulldogs at the PhilSports Arena.

Despite facing a 17-point deficit during a 26-4 second-quarter run by NU, Ateneo rallied behind a late-game surge. Rookie Kieffer Alas led the Blue Eagles with 18 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals, scoring 10 of his points in the final two and a half minutes to seal the win. Drew Bongo also contributed 16 points to the victory.

The win brings Ateneo to a 3-1 record. The team’s performance follows a period of significant off-court challenges, including the loss of teammates and coaching staff members earlier this year.