Ateneo de Manila University returned to winning ways in the UAAP Season 85 Women’s Basketball Tournament after three straight losses.
After losses to De La Salle University, National University, and University of Santo Tomas, the Katipunan school relied on the heroics of Kacey Dela Rosa and Jhazmin Joson to lead them towards a 67-61 victory over neighbor University of the Philippines.
“First of all, we really expect a lot from Shaq and Kobe. That’s what I call them. They’re really skilled and talented. Si Shaq and Kobe are really, they have the skills, they have the desire,” said coach LA Mumar.
“I also want to commend our other players like (Sandra) Villacruz, (Junize) Calago, (Dyna) Nieves, and (Lj) Miranda, when they do their stuff, it allows these two to do their stuff.”
Dela Eosa led the Blue Eagles with a statline of 30 points, 20 rebounds, and seven blocks in close to 35 minutes of action on the floor.
Her output surpassed the 29 points scored by Adamson University’s Dindy Medina; 19 rebounds seized by La Salle’s Fina Niantcho and University of the East’s Kamba Kone vs UST and Far Easten University respectively; and her six blocks against FEU.
On the other hand, Joson produced a triple-double of 11 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. For their part, the two cagers are just happy to contribute to another Ateneo win.
“Hindi ko in-expect na ganun yung i-per-perform ko since pagod mas lalo na sa training. Mahirap pong pagsabayin (kasama ang pag-aaral),” said Dela Rosa.
“I was low-key surprised,” said Joson. “I didn’t even know actually. For each game, I try to give my heart out as much as possible because I am the only one who played (before) and the one with a lot of experience so I wanna push these girls but even me, I want to push myself every game.”
Following a great showing from the duo, both players will no doubt be marked ladies every time they step on the floor.
Teams will no doubt create defensive schemes to limit their output. While they have become pillars for Ateneo this season, Mumar wishes to see every member of his team to pull their weight and not just Dela Rosa and Joson.
“The talent, I’m very confident with their talent. I think they’re such a deadly one-two combo. It gives us a chance every game to win,” said the former Blue Eagle.
“We just have to play together. Hindi kami yung one-two team pero yung talent, mga talentado itong mga to.”
