Ateneo de Manila University erased a 14-point deficit against rival De La Salle University, 79-66, to secure its first win in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After a difficult start to the season, the Blue Eagles improved to 1-2 in the standings, forcing a four-way tie for fourth place with La Salle, Adamson University, and University of the Philippines.
The victory also helped Ateneo avoid a 0-3 start in two-time MVP Kacey dela Rosa’s final season with the Blue Eagles.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“Very happy na we got our first win today against La Salle. Yung mindset lang naming lahat is yung sinabi ni Coach PJ [Navarro] na matalo na sa lahat, wag lang sa La Salle,” said Dela Rosa.
Dela Rosa once again delivered a massive all-around performance, posting 26 points and 13 rebounds for another double-double. She also added five steals, four assists, and two blocks.
Ateneo jumped to an early 12-4 lead, but La Salle quickly responded after the Blue Eagles went to a small-ball lineup. The Lady Archers then outscored Ateneo, 29-7, to build a 33-19 advantage before the Blue Eagles answered with a 9-0 run to close out the first half.
Ateneo carried the momentum into the third quarter, opening the period with a 13-5 run to reclaim the lead, 41-38, behind a Seng Calago triple and a Dela Rosa layup.
La Salle quickly answered with a 4-0 run, though. Alyssa Rodriguez knocked down back-to-back triples, cutting Ateneo’s lead to two, 51-49, heading into the final frame.
Kyla Go spearheaded a fierce Lady Archers fightback in the fourth quarter, helping La Salle regain the lead, 60-59, with six minutes remaining.
Rodriguez, however, drilled another three-pointer to put Ateneo back in front. Then Dela Rosa followed with a pull-up triple to make it 65-60 with less than three minutes to play.
Rodriguez stayed hot from deep and sank another trey, before Calago put the finishing touches on the comeback as the Blue Eagles escaped with the victory.
Ateneo had four players score in double figures, a marked improvement from its first two games, where production outside Dela Rosa was limited.
“Everyone knows that they will be guarding Kacey. Yung difference siguro ngayon is yung contributions ng iba. We have three more na nag-double-digit in this game, so malaking factor ‘yon,” said first-year head coach Navarro.
Calago provided steady support with 15 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Rodriguez added 12 points, all coming from beyond the arc, while Sarah Makanjuola chipped in 10 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
BJ Villarin paced the Lady Archers with 21 points, six steals, and five rebounds.
Go contributed 13 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Marga Dueñas finished with 12 points and five steals.
Ateneo will next face Far Eastern University on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Dela Rosa will go up against her Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 teammates Amyah Espanol and Victoria Pasilang, who were part of the Philippine team that won the silver medal at the Asian Games.
La Salle, meanwhile, will take on University of the Philippines on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
Ateneo 79 – Dela Rosa 26, Calago 15, Rodriguez 12, Makanjuola 10, De Luna 7, Oani 6, L. Lopez 3, Cruza 0, H. Lopez 0, Subejano 0, Hagedorn 0.
DLSU 66 – Villarin 21, Go 13, Dueñas 12, Ojo 6, Sunga 4, Bacierto 4, Villapando 3, Anastacio 2, Lubrico 1, A. Dizon 0, S. Dizon 0.
Quarterscores: 14-19, 28-33, 51-49, 79-66.
