The supporting cast came alive in the second half as Ateneo de Manila University trounced also-ran University of the Philippines, 94–68, to clinch a Final Four berth in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Two-time MVP Kacey Dela Rosa already tallied 17 points and nine rebounds in the first half, but the Fighting Maroons stayed within striking distance at the break, 36–38.
That changed in the third quarter, when the rest of the Blue Eagles stepped up. Camille Malagar, Kai Oani, Erica De Luna, Hannah Lopez, Sandra Villacruz, and Gracie Batongbakal all chipped in to power a dominant 28–12 period, stretching the lead to 66–48.
Ateneo is now headed to its fourth straight Final Four appearance, but the Blue Eagles are eyeing much more this season.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“We’re very thankful na nakapasok kami sa Final Four. Obviously, our goal is to win a championship but this is an achievement for the team. Every win, every achievement for the girls we’re very happy but we want more,” said Ateneo head coach LA Mumar.
The Blue Eagles improved to 8–4 to lock in the third seed under the traditional Final Four format. They aim to close the elimination round strong when they face last season’s tormentor, the Adamson Lady Falcons, on Sunday at the same venue.
Dela Rosa finished with 22 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block, while De Luna also posted a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds.
“‘Yung mindset ko lagi every game na sawa na ako sa Final Four so ibibigay ko na ‘yung best ko sa mga seniors ko para maipanalo ‘yung championship this year kasi ayun nga, sawa na kami,” said Dela Rosa.
Sarah Makanjuola added 12 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks, while Oani and Malagar scored 10 points apiece.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Camille Nolasco led the Fighting Maroons (3–10) with 17 points and five rebounds. Louna Ozar contributed 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while Achrissa Maw added 10 points.
UP looks to end its campaign on a high note when it faces De La Salle University on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
Ateneo (94) – Dela Rosa 22, De Luna 16, Makanjuola 12, Oani 10, Malagar 10, Lopez 7, Cancio 5, Batongbakal 5, Villacruz 4, Fetalvero 3, Chan 0, Olivenza 0, Lopez 0, Cruza 0.
UP (68) – Nolasco 17, Ozar 16, Maw 10, Solitario 8, Mendoza 6, Vingno 5, Pesquera 3, Mejasco 2, Cunanan 1, Barba 0, Evangelista 0, Tapawan 0, Catequista 0, Castro 0, Santos 0.
Quarterscores: 18-16, 38-36, 66-48, 94-68.
