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.