Joanne Nimes heats up late, powers Ateneo past UE

The Ateneo de Manila University leaned on the hot streak of Joanne Nimes to take down University of the East Lady Warriors, 74-65, Wednesday in the UAAP Season 81 Women’s Basketball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

The third-year guard scattered 19 points, including the crucial five straight points to open the fourth quarter. She turned the tide from a 52-53 deficit to a 57-53 lead, as the Lady Eagles slowly pulled away in the final canto.

Nimes also collected three rebounds and four assists in the win.

“I like that they hustle towards the end. Of course, we wanted to have played with more intensity from the start,” said Ateneo head coach Kat Quimpo, who replaced John Flores during the off-season.

Hazelle Yam’s jumper with three minutes remaining in the game set up the win for the Lady Eagles as they snagged the lead at 65-63 and sparked an 11-2 run to close out the game.

Jhaz Joson added 15 markers for Ateneo, who finished at sixth place last season. Meanwhile, Alyssa Villamor ended with 14 markers.

Tin Cortizano led UE with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Jearzy Gagade added 15 markers and 10 boards.

Ateneo will next face the De La Salle University Lady Archers on Sunday, September 8, at 10:00 am. UE, on the other hand, take on neighbors Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws earlier at 8:00 am.

The Scores:

ADMU (74) – Nimes 19, Joson 15, Villamor 14, Guytingco 8, Chu 8, Yam 5, Moslares 5, Villacruz 0, Payac 0, Newsome 0, De Dios 0, Cancio 0, Aquisap 0.

UE (65) – Cortizano 18, Ganade 15, Paule 12, Terrinal 7, Fernandez 5, Ordas 4, Nama 2, Caraig 2, Tinio 0, Raymundo 0, Pedregosa 0, Noquil 0, Gervacio 0, Gaa 0, Cuadero 0, Brencis 0.

Quarterscores: 18-16, 33-32, 52-53, 74-65.