Ateneo Secures Solo UAAP Season 88 Lead with Dominant Fourth Quarter Against Adamson

MANILA, Philippines – Jaden Lazo led Ateneo to a decisive 77-58 win over Adamson in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, September 28. Lazo scored 13 of his 15 points in the final quarter, adding 3 steals and 2 assists, helping the Blue Eagles extend their undefeated streak to 3-0 and secure sole possession of first place.

Ateneo sparked a 20-4 run to open the fourth quarter, building a 71-52 lead that paved the way for their most dominant victory of the season so far. This result came after the Blue Eagles narrowly won their previous two games by an average margin of 2.5 points.

"One of the key takeaways from our first three games is that nothing has been easy," said Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin. "The close finishes in the initial matches have taught us to execute well in late-game situations and boosted our confidence."

Divine Adili also contributed significantly with 16 points and 6 rebounds, complementing Lazo’s offensive efforts as opposing defenses increasingly focused on Ateneo’s star player, Kymani Ladi. Despite intensified pressure, Ladi posted solid numbers with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals after averaging 22 points and 9.5 rebounds in his first two outings.

Adamson’s Matt Erolon was a bright spot for the Falcons, scoring 23 points with an impressive 7-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc. However, Adamson faltered after holding a 42-36 advantage midway through the third quarter, managing only 16 points in the remainder of the game while Ateneo scored 41.

No other player for Adamson reached double figures, with Ray Torres adding 7 points and Mudiaga Ojarikre recording 6 points and 13 rebounds in a tough game that marked the Falcons’ second loss in three matches.

Final Scores:

Ateneo: Adili 16, Lazo 15, Ladi 14, Espinosa 10, Escobar 8, Lazaro 6, Bahay 3, Espina 3, Nieto 2, others 0.

Adamson: Erolon 23, Torres 7, Manzano 6, Ojarikre 6, Montebon 5, Anabo 5, others less than 3.

Quarter scores were 18-11, 33-30, 51-48, and 77-58.

This win strengthens Ateneo’s position as a title contender as the UAAP men’s basketball tournament progresses.