Ateneo de Manila University secured its fourth straight win to open the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament, defeating the University of the Philippines, 78-65, on Wednesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Blue Eagles, now 4-0, are enjoying their best start in 18 years, since going 5-0 in Season 70 back in 2007—the same year Ateneo last claimed the championship in the division.
“I think the girls are being mentally tough. I’m very proud of the girls for pulling through… I think this is our year, we are complete, we have no excuses anymore,” said Ateneo head coach LA Mumar.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Trailing for most of the game except for a brief 3-2 lead, the Fighting Maroons cut a 36-50 deficit to just four points with a 10-0 run midway through the third quarter, sparked by Achrissa Maw, Rhea Solitario, and Shanina Tapawan.
But the Blue Eagles answered with a 13-2 surge, with Gracie Batongbakal, Erica de Luna, Camille Malagar, and Kate Cancio delivering key baskets to stretch the lead to 63-48 heading into the fourth quarter.
Ateneo aims to extend its unbeaten streak on Saturday at the Blue Eagle Gym against another undefeated team, the University of Santo Tomas.
Kacey Dela Rosa once again posted monster numbers with 17 points, 20 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks, already achieving a double-double by halftime with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Rookie Erica de Luna contributed 11 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Batongbakal added 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting.
Malagar and Sarah Makanjuola scored nine points each, with Makanjuola also hauling in 10 rebounds.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For the Fighting Maroons, the loss dropped them to 2-2.
Louna Ozar recorded 13 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three steals, and a block, while Maw and Solitario added 13 and 12 points, respectively.
UP will look to bounce back on Sunday against Far Eastern University at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Scores:
Ateneo (78) – Dela Rosa 17, De Luna 11, Batongbakal 10, Malagar 9, Makanjuola 9, Villacruz 6, Cancio 6, Oani 5, Lopez 5, Olivenza 0.
UP (65) – Ozar 13, Maw 12, Solitario 12, Tapawan 8, Vingno 8, Cunanan 5, Mendoza 4, Nolasco 2, Barba 0, Mejasco 0.
Quarterscores: 20-14, 45-36, 63-48, 78-65.
