October 18, 2025

UAAP: Dom Escobar, Ateneo seek strong Round 1 finish in clash vs NU

UAAP: Dom Escobar, Ateneo seek strong Round 1 finish in clash vs NU
Ateneo fights to stop a three-game skid, and the first challenge is taking down league leader NU Bulldogs. | Photo: The UAAP

The suddenly skidding Ateneo Blue Eagles are eager to break out of a mini-slump in challenging league-leading NU Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday, October 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

Game time is at 2:00 p.m.

[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | UAAP Season 88 basketball guide, where to watch, highlights, more]

After a 4-0 start, the Blue Eagles have dropped consecutive games and now share third place with defending champions UP. 

Despite holding home-court advantage, Ateneo fell 98-89 in a triple-overtime loss to the UST Growling Tigers in Katipunan. 

Jared Bahay did not manage to finish the game due to a shoulder injury after contributing 17 points and six assists. 

Kymani Ladi added 14 markers and nine boards ,while Dom Escobar's monster 13-point, 20 rebounds, and five-steal outing was put to waste. 

[ALSO READ: UAAP: Ateneo’s Jared Bahay eyes big picture in sitting out third OT vs UST with shoulder issue]

With Bahay's status against NU remains questionable, Ladi, Escobar, and Shawn Tuano are left to shoulder the load. 

A win over the Bulldogs would move Ateneo into sole possession of third and surpass last season’s four wins.

(With reports from Pao Ambat)

[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]

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