Manila: Ateneo De Manila University took one significant step forward after a team tragedy when it beat Our Lady of Fatima, 71-60, in the Pinoyliga Cup at the Blue Eagle Gym on Sunday morning. Ateneo will play the winner of the Monday game between San Pedro College of Business Administration and College of St. Benilde in the next round.

According to Philippines News Agency, this game marked Ateneo's return to the court for the first time since June 6 and after the tragic event on June 8 in Aurora province, where rookie players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili drowned during a teambuilding activity. Despite showing signs of rust against the upset-seeking Phoenix, Ateneo managed to pull away in the fourth quarter. They outscored Fatima 21-8 in the first eight minutes of the payoff period, securing a 71-55 cushion.

Interim coach Louie Alas expressed gratitude, stating, "We just praise God for allowing us to play." The game saw standout performances, with one-and-done player Travis Roberts leading Ateneo with 17 points on 6 of 11 shooting and seven rebounds. Kieffer Alas contributed 12 points, going 5-for-5 from inside the arc, along with two rebounds and one assist.

On the opposing side, Mamadou Toure led the Phoenix with 21 points on 5-for-8 field goals and 11-for-17 free throws, along with four rebounds, two blocks, and one steal.

The Pinoyliga Cup's succeeding games also featured impressive performances from National Collegiate Athletic Association teams. Mapua Cardinals dominated the Diliman College Blue Dragons, winning 82-55, with Yam Concepcion delivering a flawless game, scoring 15 points on 7-for-7 shooting, along with 13 rebounds, four assists, and one steal.

Perpetual Help showcased a new scoring threat in Ralph Caugiran, who scored 13 points on 5-of-8 field goals in an 89-52 victory over UBIX Colleges. In other matches, Manila Central University narrowly defeated Enderun, 77-74, while San Pablo Colleges overpowered Cordillera Career Development College, 80-55.