Ateneo de Manila University finally erased a bitter memory against Adamson University with a 70-60 victory in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night.
The Blue Eagles not only secured their second win of the season but also avenged their winless head-to-head record against the Lady Falcons from last year.
In Season 87, Adamson swept Ateneo in all their encounters, winning the first round, second round, and stepladder semifinals matchups — a complete 3-0 record.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“This game means a lot to us after what happened to us last year. We wanted to show to everybody that we’re a different team. We could have easily folded when they tied the game,” said Blue Eagles head coach LA Mumar.
Two-time MVP Kacey Dela Rosa battled foul trouble for much of the second half but managed to stay in the game from the six-minute mark of the fourth quarter until the final buzzer.
Dela Rosa scored 11 of Ateneo’s last 13 points to fend off a gritty Adamson squad.
She finished with 24 points on 8-of-9 shooting from the field and 8-of-10 from the free throw line, while also grabbing 19 rebounds, along with two assists, two steals, and two blocks.
Camille Malagar added 13 points, while Nigerian center Sarah Makanjuola contributed nine points and 15 rebounds.
Ateneo will next face De La Salle University on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, last year’s third-place Lady Falcons slipped to 0-2 and will also look for their first win on Sunday against the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws.
Elaine Etang led Adamson with 15 points but struggled from the field, converting only four of 17 attempts.
Cheska Apag chipped in 14 points despite suffering a hard screen collision with Sandra Villacruz early in the fourth quarter, later returning to finish the match.
The Scores:
Ateneo (70) – Dela Rosa 24, Malagar 13, Makanjuola 9, De Luna 8, Cancio 7, Oani 6, Batongbakal 3, Lopez 0, Villacruz 0.
AdU (60) – Etang 15, Epag 14, Padilla 6, Ornopia 6, Bajo 5, Meniano 4, Adeshina 4, Limbago 4, E. Alaba 2, Mazo 0, Cortez 0, Agojo 0, A. Alaba 0.
Quarterscores: 14-10, 35-31, 57-49, 70-60.
