With Favour Onoh sidelined for the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament, Achrissa Maw has stepped into the spotlight for the University of the Philippines.
In what has been a turbulent season for the Fighting Maroons, Maw has remained a consistent force for the steadily-rising women’s hoops program in Diliman.
Onoh, the Season 86 Rookie of the Year, is out after sustaining a torn ACL during their preseason preparations. And her absence left a significant gap in the lineup.
Last season, Maw primarily played a defensive role, but this year, she has emerged as a key contributor on both ends of the floor.
The 22-year-old forward from De La Salle-Zobel has embraced her new responsibilities, leading UP with a standout 25-point performance on 10-of-13 shooting from the field.
Maw also grabbed nine rebounds as the Fighting Maroons held off the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 82-77, on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Kung titignan natin, mukang ako ang nagste-step up. Pero lahat talaga kami, mapa-guards, may pinag-usapan kami na tulungan talaga,” said Maw, who credited her teammates for their collective effort in filling the void left by Onoh.
Onoh, known for her rebounding prowess, once set a UAAP record across all divisions with 30 rebounds in a single game.
In her absence, Maw has taken the lead, but she’s not doing it alone. Guards Louna Ozar and Christie Bariquit also contributed with double-digit rebounds, grabbing 11 and 10, respectively.
More than just filling in for Onoh, Maw is driven by the fact that she is already in her junior year at UP, pushing her to take on a larger role within the team.
“Bukod kay Favour, bilang third year na naglalaro sa UAAP, kailangan ko talagang mag-mature at mag-step up sa team na ito,” Maw added.
“Doon papasok yung actions eh, hindi puro salita. More on performance talaga ako this season.”
Despite UP’s even 2-2 record, Maw remains unsatisfied with her own performance.
“Ang pumapasok lang sa isip ko ngayon talaga ay marami pa rin akong kailangan i-improve, hindi ako satisfied talaga. Dapat may nagawa pa ako more than that.”
