Jared Bahay and Kristian Porter have come a long way from their humble beginnings in Cebu. Now they have each other's back at Ateneo.

The connection is in full bloom as the Blue Eagles finally ended a losing skid with a 70-68 win over the National University Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 87 over the weekend.

“For the guys that don't know, me and (Kris) Porter have been teammates since grade school. We know each other well,” said the 19-year-old Bahay, who finished with 12 points, six rebounds and five assists.

“And I know how he moves. He knows how I move.  And so, that relationship really helped us in this game and for our upcoming games,” he added.

Same thing for Porter, who led the way for Blue Eagles with an all-around performance of 14 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and two steals.

“It's the same as Jared. He knows the back of my hand the way I know the back of his hand. I know his tendencies, he knows mine,” the 6-foot-5 Porter added. “So, that's how we just connect and bring that chemistry on the court.”

With hopes of keeping their Final Four bid alive, the duo wants to capitalize on their strengths and help the squad improve its 2-6 record.

“Of course. Just gotta be connected and lead as an example. For example, Ports and I. We have great chemistry.  And then, we're gonna show our teammates how great it is,” Bahay continued. “Hopefully, they're gonna buy in also.”

“Like what the coaches tell us, especially the both of us, we can't think like rookies. We have to mature. And from that, hopefully, our fellow rookies will follow us, our sophomores, veterans,” Porter added.

Up next for Ateneo is UST (4-4) at the latter team’s Quadricentennial Pavilion Saturday, Oct. 19.