Bahay steadies Ateneo, silences online critics with clutch win over Adamson
MANILA, Philippines — When Ateneo de Manila University needed someone to take charge in the crucial moments, Cebuano guard Jared Bahay answered the call.
Bahay delivered 18 points, six rebounds and five assists, then kept his composure at the free-throw line in the dying seconds as Ateneo held off Adamson University, 73-68, in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men's Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.
With the Soaring Falcons threatening to erase a double-digit deficit late in the fourth quarter, Bahay calmly knocked down four straight free throws to keep Ateneo ahead and secure the Blue Eagles' second victory in three games.
Among the brightest
It was the kind of performance that underscored why Bahay has long been regarded as one of Cebu's brightest basketball talents.
The former Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu standout is a back-to-back CESAFI high school champion and back-to-back MVP, a Palarong Pambansa gold medalist and a former member of the Gilas Pilipinas Youth program. He was also previously regarded as the No. 1 high school player in the country.
Now playing on one of Philippine collegiate basketball's biggest stages, Bahay showed the same poise that made him a dominant figure in Cebu's high school scene.
“After that loss against UP, Coach Louie told us that he really trusts the guards, sabi niya kami 'yung mag takeover sa team namin. I took it seriously lang, naging accountable ako sa team namin and I just always remind them na sundin ang sistema,” Bahay said.
Hard time off court
His performance also came at a difficult time away from the court.
Bahay recently became the target of threats, mockery and online ridicule from individuals identifying themselves as supporters of the late Rene Baterbonia. Some posts and messages accused Bahay of having involvement in Baterbonia's death last June.
Those accusations have not been established as fact. The online attacks nevertheless placed Bahay under an uncomfortable spotlight, making his ability to remain focused on basketball all the more significant.
Against Adamson, the Cebuano guard showed little sign of being rattled.
Ateneo built a 65-52 lead with 4:16 remaining, only for Adamson to launch a late rally. Mat Edding, Precious Jonah and Ray Allen Torres combined to spark a 9-2 run that pulled the Soaring Falcons within six, 61-67, with 1:40 left.
Earl Medina and Jonah then brought Adamson within five twice in the final seconds.
But each time, Bahay responded from the charity stripe.
Perfect ending
His perfect 4-for-4 shooting in the closing moments helped Ateneo withstand the comeback and improve to 2-1, good for solo second place in the standings.
“Every team here is capable of beating the other team so we have to go to the game well-prepared especially against Adamson, a well-coached team,” said Ateneo interim coach Louie Alas, who played for Adamson in the early 1980s.
One-and-done winger Travis Roberts added 14 points and three rebounds for Ateneo, while Ian Espinosa contributed 10 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Adamson dropped to 1-1, with Jonah leading the way with 17 points, eight rebounds, four blocks and two assists. Edding had 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Torres also scored 12.
Ateneo and Adamson will return to action next Saturday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The Blue Eagles face National University at 5:30 p.m., while Adamson takes on University of Santo Tomas at 2 p.m.
Who is Jared Bahay?
Jared Bahay is a Cebuano guard from Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, a two-time CESAFI champion and MVP, a Palarong Pambansa gold medalist, and a former Gilas Pilipinas Youth member. He was once ranked the No. 1 high school player in the Philippines.
What happened in the Ateneo vs Adamson game?
Ateneo defeated Adamson 73-68 in the UAAP Season 89 men's basketball tournament. Bahay scored 18 points and made four clutch free throws in the final seconds to seal the win.
How did Bahay respond to online threats?
Despite facing online ridicule and accusations related to the death of Rene Baterbonia, Bahay remained focused and delivered a strong performance, showing resilience under pressure.