# Ateneo Blue Eagles basketball competition return

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ateneo-blue-eagles-basketball-competition-return
> Updated: 2026-08-23T11:19:31.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles basketball team returned to competition in the Pinoyliga Big Dance following a June tragedy in Aurora that resulted in two deaths during a team-building activity. In their first game back, the team secured a 71-60 victory over Our Lady of Fatima University under interim head coach Louie Alas.

Following this win, the team advanced to the Sweet 16, where they defeated the College of Saint Benilde 81-78. This match featured a comeback led by Kieffer Alas, who scored 26 points. His prominent role in the offense has led to discussions regarding potential nepotism due to his father serving as the interim head coach, though his recent scoring performances have been cited as a justification for his position in the lineup.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: Ateneo de Manila University defeats Benilde in Pinoyliga Sweet 16

Kieffer Alas led Ateneo de Manila University to an 81-78 comeback victory over College of Saint Benilde in the Pinoyliga Big Dance Sweet 16, amid discussions regarding his role in the team's offense.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ateneo-de-manila-university-defeats-benilde-in-pinoyliga-sweet-16

### 2026-08-16: Ateneo Blue Eagles secure victory in emotional return to competition

Ateneo de Manila University’s Blue Eagles defeated Our Lady of Fatima University 71-60 in their first game since the Aurora tragedy, marking an emotional return to the court under interim coach Louie Alas.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ateneo-blue-eagles-secure-victory-in-emotional-return-to-competition

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Cite as: Ateneo Blue Eagles basketball competition return. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ateneo-blue-eagles-basketball-competition-return