Reigning two-time MVP Kacey dela Rosa delivered a dominant 20-20 line as Ateneo de Manila University cruised past Far Eastern University, taking a wire-to-wire 82-70 victory to strengthen its hold on solo third place in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament, Wednesday morning at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Eager to bounce back from a lopsided 47-69 loss to defending champion National University Lady Bulldogs last Sunday, the Blue Eagles leaned on Dela Rosa’s all-around brilliance — 21 points, 23 rebounds, three blocks, three assists, and one steal — to fend off the Lady Tamaraws’ late surge.
With Dela Rosa leading the charge, Ateneo improved to a 6-3 record, creating a two-game cushion over FEU (4-5) for solo third place in the eight-team standings.
“For us, a win is a win. There is some growth that needs to happen sa team namin, pero we played well. Nagkaroon kami ng konting puhunan. It was not the best ending, but I’ll take the win anytime,” said Blue Eagles head coach LA Mumar.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
FEU tried to mount a comeback behind a Victoria Pasilang triple and an Amyah Espanol floater that trimmed the lead to 53-37. But Ateneo quickly countered with 10 straight points — highlighted by an Erica de Luna layup and a Kai Oani three-pointer — to build a commanding 26-point, 63-37 lead.
Ateneo’s steady play through the first three quarters proved crucial as it held off FEU’s fiery fourth-quarter rally.
The trio of Espanol, MJ Manguiat, and Shem Abatayo sparked a 20-2 blitz, with Abatayo knocking down two triples and a layup to cut the deficit to just seven points, 77-70, with 39.5 seconds left.
However, time was not on FEU’s side. Two free throws by Oani and an and-one play by Dela Rosa sealed the win — Ateneo’s sixth in nine outings.
Mika Malagar contributed 13 points, 10 of which came in the first half, alongside five assists, four rebounds, three steals, and a block. Oani added 11 points on 3-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc, plus four assists and two boards.
Meanwhile, Kate Cancio, Erica de Luna, and returning Nigerian center Sarah Makanjoula — who sat out Ateneo’s loss to NU due to suspension — chipped in 10 points apiece in the victory.
Ateneo will aim to sustain its momentum when it faces the winless University of the East Lady Warriors on Wednesday, November 5, still at the MOA Arena.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
On the other hand, Abatayo paced FEU with 17 points, 15 rebounds, six assists, and one steal. Espanol also tallied 17 points along with five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Manguiat added 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Yvette Villanueva — who erupted for 23 points against the University of the Philippines — was limited to just five points on 2-of-5 shooting.
The Lady Tamaraws will try to get back on track against the Adamson University Lady Falcons on Sunday, November 2, at the same bayside venue.
The Scores:
Ateneo (82) – Dela Rosa 21, Malagar 13, Oani 11, De Luna 10, Cancio 10, Makanjoula 10, Batongbakal 4, H. Lopez 3, Villacruz 0, Cruza 0, Olivenza 0.
FEU (70) – Abatayo 17, Espanol 17, Manguiat 13, Pasilang 7, Nagma 6, Villanueva 5, Salvani 3, Dela Torre 2, Lopez 0, Garavan 0, Patio 0.
Quarterscores: 31-13, 46-23, 67-48, 82-70
