The University of the East Lady Warriors cruised to their first win in the UAAP Season 77 Women’s Basketball Tournament after escaping a late comeback from the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons to win, 58-47.
After dueling the Lady Maroons in a tight first half that ended in a 20-20 draw at halftime, the Lady Warriors pulled away in the third quarter of the game, leading by as many 13 points in the third quarter and head into the final period of the game with a comfortable 38-29 lead. UP’s Bea Daez would shake off shooting troubles from the first half to lead a steady but effective comeback by the Lady Maroons, draining three 3-point baskets and help trim the Lady Warriors’ lead to 41-37 by the halfway point of the final quarter. However, crucial baskets from UE’s Eunique Chan and Ruthlaine Tacula in the following minutes would help put the Lady Warriors back safely in the lead, 52-43, with little more than a minute remaining on the clock. UE would only continue to pull away in the final minute, sinking crucial free-throw baskets to squash any hope of UP mounting a last-minute comeback.
Ruthlaine Tacula led all UE scorers with 16 points, coupled with 5 rebounds. Chery Joy Ano-os also added 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Love Joy Domingo and Eunique Chan, who were instrumental in securing the victory for UE in the fourth quarter, had 9 points each. Bea Daez had 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winless Lady Maroons.
