Ateneo de Manila University prized rookie Kieffer Alas in his UAAP debut against University of the Philippines in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — Ateneo de Manila University was handed a reality check as it absorbed its first loss in UAAP Season 89, a setback that Blue Eagles ace Kieffer Alas viewed as part of their growing pains.
READ: Payosing, UP pull away in second half to overwhelm Ateneo
“It's our first real loss naman talaga,” said Alas, who was limited to 13 points on 5-of-11 shooting in their 75-94 loss to University of the Philippines on Saturday. “This is the first real test we had, so we just gotta learn from it.”
Holding just a one-point deficit entering the second half, with Alas converting on a strong attack inside to end the second period, Ateneo eventually absorbed a 48-30 beatdown and fell behind by as many as 25 points.
Alas, however, said they expected such a challenge from State U, pointing out that it was Ateneo that failed to hold up its end of the bargain.
“We just collapsed,” said Alas, before giving credit to UP’s defense. “UP is known for that, so we just have to do better in maintaining our rhythm.”
The UAAP Season 87 high school MVP added that there were no surprises in the Maroons becoming more aggressive in defending him, especially after he fired 24 points in his collegiate debut against University of the East.
“It’s what I expected, more physical,” he said. “It’s Philippine basketball, rugged, and just gonna fight for every possession.”
Alas, fortunately, brings with him lessons from his one-year stint in the US, which he hopes to use to his advantage as he anticipates tougher challenges moving forward.
“I think it helped me a lot, so I feel like that prepared me a lot for this,” said the former Layton Christian Academy standout, who now takes pride in being more patient with his approach.
“That’s just the trend of the first two games, so whatever the defense gives me, that’s what I’ll do: I won’t force anything,” he said.
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