Games Saturday
(UST Quadricentennial Pavilion)
7:30 a.m. – NU vs Adamson (16U)
9:30 a.m. – UP vs UE (16U)
11:30 a.m. – UP vs UE (women’s)
1:30 p.m. – UP vs UE (men’s)
4:30 p.m. – NU vs Adamson (men’s)
7 p.m. – NU vs Adamson (women’s)
By MARK REY MONTEJO
Ateneo flexed its might and handed University of the East an 81-57 trashing to strengthen its Final Four bid in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Wednesday, Nov. 5.
Before clinching their wire-to-wire victory, the Blue Eagles had to shake off a shaky start before coming through with offensive spurts that enabled them to build a 74-42 cushion which proved too high a hurdle for the Lady Warriors to clear.
Kacey Dela Rosa impressed with 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting apart from posting seven rebounds, and two blocks, while Hannah Lopez chipped in 18 points as Ateneo hiked its record to 7-3 to stay at third place.
UE, on the other hand, sustained its ninth straight in as many outings and 19th straight overall defeat since Season 87.
“I’m happy that this team responded the way they did, with maturity. We started off a little bit flat, but we were able to pick it up nung second to fourth quarter,” Blue Eagles head coach LA Mumar said. “I am happy na nagma-mature na yung team.”
It was a much-need win for the Loyola-based crew as there are only two semifinals spots left with host University of Santo Tomas (9-0) and reigning champion National University (8-1) already booking their tickets in the playoffs.
Rookie Erica De Luna and Gracie Batongbakal also contributed for the Blue Eagles side with 10 points each, while Syvil Oñate and skipper Aaliyah Ronquillo combined for 25 points for UE.
Up next for Ateneo is bitter rival La Salle University (4-6) this Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, while UE tries to snatch an elusive first win against University of the Philippines on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
Meanwhile, defending champion UE reasserted its dominance over Ateneo, 96-69, to go two in a row and stay in the Final Four race.
Goodluck Okebata starred anew the Junior Red Warriors 25 points and 16 rebounds which went with two assists, one block and four steals, while Domeng Ngo scored 18 in a losing cause as Ateneo dropped to sixth spot with 2-8 card.
Earlier, UST regained its winning form in style after carving out a 121-54 demolition of University of the Philippines Integrated School to secure a solo third in the standings.
CJ Tabbuga led the Tiger Cubs with 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists, one block, and four steals, while Rowie Cabañero dazzled with 20 points, five rebounds, 11 assists, and four steals to hike their record to 7-3.
The scores:
Ateneo 81 – Dela Rosa 19, Lopez 18, De Luna 10, Batongbakal 10, Cancio 6, Malagar 6, Oani 3, Fetalvero 3, Villacruz 2, Makanjoula 2, Olivenza 2, Cruza 0, Chan 0, Lopez 0.
UE 57 – Onate 14, Ronquillo 11, Buscar 9, Lacayanga 9, Vacalares 7, Gollum 5, Lumibao 2, Ramos 0, Dalguntas 0, Salise 0, Trinidad 0, Gomez 0, Solomon 0, Delig 0.
Quarters: 13-7, 37-19, 64-38, 81-57.
