Ateneo escaped a game challenge from University of the Philippines to end its four-game losing streak with a 76-62 win Sunday in the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Basketball Tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Kat Guytingco came alive in the second half, scoring all of her 13 points, while also collecting five rebounds, three assists, and one steal to help the Lady Eagles end the first round on a high note.
“She sat out for most of the first two quarters and that fueled her to do more sa second half,” lauded coach Kat Quimpo of her fifth-year guard.
Jhaz Joson added 13 points, seven boards, and four assists, while Zoe Chu had 12 points and three rebounds in the win.
From a tight 49-43 affair, Ateneo staged a huge 8-0 blast to create a 14-point breathing room to take the 57-43 lead in the third frame.
“It’s a much-needed win,” said Quimpo. “The loss has been taking a toll on us emotionally. We expected so much from our first round, but we didn’t get what we expected. But it’s good that we’re back on the winning track.
“At least, now we know what to work on. It’s been a roller coaster ride for us, but it’s good that we have all these learnings heading into the second round,” she continued.
Pesky Pesquera led the Lady Maroons with 15 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, while Jona Lebico had 10 points, five boards, and three steals in the defeat.
UP remained the only winless team for this season as its losing skid extended to 37 games.
The Scores:
ADMU 76 –– Guytingco 13, Joson 13, Chu 12, Cancio 9, Yam 9, Newsome 8, Villamor 7, Moslares 5, Aquisap 0, De Dios 0, Villacruz 0.
UP 62 — Pesquera 15, Lebico 10, Sanchez 9, Rivera 7, De Leon 5, Gusilatar 5, Gonzales 4, Ordoveza 4, Larrosa 3, Hidalgo 0, Lucman 0.
Quarterscores: 25-16, 35-32, 57-47, 76-62.
