De La Salle University outlasted winless University of the East, 82-72, to claim a share of fourth place in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
The Lady Warriors fought relentlessly to stay in the game, coming as close as five points in the third quarter, 42-47. But the Lady Archers responded with a 16-8 run to close the quarter, entering the fourth ahead by 13, 63-50.
La Salle then maintained control in the final period, answering every push from UE to secure the win.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Very happy with the standings since we came from a 0-4 start. As bouncing back and having a chance for a Final Four slot is still in our hands,” said Lady Archers head coach Cholo Villanueva.
La Salle swept UE in the elimination round, also winning their first-round encounter, 73-62. This result was particularly satisfying for the Lady Archers, as last season, the Lady Warriors ended a 40-game losing streak at La Salle’s expense.
With the victory, the Lady Archers improved their record to 4-5, tying the FEU Lady Tamaraws for fourth and fifth place. La Salle has won four of its last five games.
Fil-Australian rookie Aiesha Dizon recorded her best performance for La Salle with 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting. She also had seven rebounds, three steals, two blocks, and two assists.
Kyla Go led the Lady Archers with 23 points, shooting 12-of-14 from the free throw line, while also contributing seven rebounds and four steals.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For UE, Syvil Oñate stepped up with 24 points on 9-of-11 shooting from the field, along with four rebounds, as the Lady Warriors fell to 0-9.
Aliyah Ronquillo added 18 points and seven rebounds for UE, while their main scorer Rachel Lacayanga missed the game due to the flu.
The Scores:
DLSU (82) – Go 23, A. Dizon 15, Delos Reyes 7, Mendoza 7, Anastacio 6, Sunga 6, Lubrico 5, S. Dizon 4, Villarin 3, Catalan 2, Camba 2, Dela Paz 2, Araza 0, Villapando 0.
UE (72) – Onate 24, Ronquillo 18, Gullim 8, Buscar 6, Yanez 6, Vacalares 5, Dalguntas 5, Trinidad 0, Salise 0, Ramos 0, Delig 0.
Quarterscores: 22-12, 40-31, 63-50, 82-72.
