Facing Ateneo de Manila University, the team that handed them their first loss of the season, ignited a fire in the UP Fighting Maroons.
After an 85-76 loss to the Blue Eagles in the first round, the Fighting Maroons bounced back significantly in their second-round clash, securing a 71-48 victory last Sunday.
Favour Onoh and Louna Ozar, two sensational UP rookies, stated that this win showcased their true capabilities. During their previous defeat to Ateneo, they were held in check.
“I will say that we, losing to them on the first round was like a wakeup to us. For us to win this game is like a payback,” said Onoh, who had 13 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks in the victory.
“It’s mostly a wakeup from our performance from the first game. We didn’t like the way we lost and how we played because it wasn’t us. Today, we showed how we really play,” added Ozar, who delivered 17 points and four steals.
Despite their young ages, Onoh (18) and Ozar (19) did not lose sight of their goal even after this remarkable comeback against the Blue Eagles.
They were the first to acknowledge that the game was in the past, and that they should focus on the next one. The victory propelled the Fighting Maroons to the second position with an 8-2 record, securing at least a playoff spot in the Final Four.
On Wednesday, they will face the struggling Far Eastern University in a bid to secure a postseason berth while also aiming to strengthen their hold on the second spot, which will provide a twice-to-beat advantage after the regular season.
“We’re happy for this win but now, we have to stay focused on the next game,” said Ozar, a Gilas Pilipinas standout.
“This win gave us momentum heading into the next game,” said the Nigerian student-athlete.
If UP beats FEU on Wednesday, it will be the first time since Season 71 (2008-09) that the Fighting Maroons will advance to the Final Four.
However, head coach Paul Ramos revealed that they are looking beyond breaking that drought; they aspire to be the best women’s basketball team this season.
“Just wanna say that yung mission namin is not just to get into the Final Four. The Final Four is just a process and we’re hoping to really go all the way,” said Ramos.
With this dominant revenge game against Ateneo, Onoh echoed the sentiments of her coach and also hoped that they continue what they did to the Blue Eagles in order to reach the top of UAAP women’s basketball.
“I have higher esteem because I’ve seen what my team can do and if we keep on playing together, I think we will be the champions.”
