Ateneo de Manila University recruited Kai Oani for a reason.
Having seen her as an offensive dynamo beyond her years with the Gilas Girls youth program, the Blue Eagles knew she had the potential to deliver in high-stakes games.
On Saturday, she showed exactly why Ateneo invested in her, coming alive in the second half to help secure a 70-57 victory over archrival De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
A single jump shot at the 5:23 mark of the third quarter ignited Oani’s scoring spree.
From there, the 18-year-old guard gained momentum, thanks in part to head coach LA Mumar’s encouragement.
“In terms of today’s game, Coach LA told me after I hit one shot, ‘Don’t stop shooting.’ He was yelling that at me, and I think that’s what kinda encouraged me and got me in the right mindset to just keep shooting and knowing the next one’s gonna fall,” shared the 5-foot-8 sniper.
Coming from St. Joseph High School in California, Oani has been adjusting to the physicality of Philippine basketball.
Despite her high school accolades, Oani has faced inconsistency in scoring, evident in prior match-ups against La Salle and University of the East.
Yet her contributions extend beyond scoring, as Mumar emphasized her solid playmaking, defense, and on-court leadership.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“We really look up to Kai,” Mumar remarked. “We recruited Kai for a purpose, and she’s been doing a great job. The only thing she’s not really doing is hitting the shots in terms of potential. Yun lang naman eh.”
Mumar went on, “She’s bringing down the ball, playing defense, and being a great leader on the court. Ito lang medyo na-highlight since she hit her shots, but she’s been great for us.
“Expect more numbers kasi two-way street eh. She’s adjusting to us and also sila Kacey (Dela Rosa) and Seng (Calago), there’s also an adjustment period for us. I think na medyo na-late kami ng kaunti. She also came in a little bit late before the season,” he added.
But she’s getting to know us and we’re getting to know her and you’ll expect more of these games. Hopefully, more threes in the upcoming games, but she’s been great for us.”
Playing a key role in an Ateneo victory over La Salle is always significant for any Blue Eagle.
Mumar reminded his players not to underestimate the Lady Archers despite their 2-8 record this season.
Reflecting on his own days playing for Ateneo in the 1990s, Mumar recalled the sting of losses to La Salle and did not want his players to experience the same.
This season, Ateneo holds the bragging rights over La Salle, having also defeated them 65-62 in the first round. But Ateneo has bigger goals in mind, aiming to clinch the title for the first time since Season 70.
Oani’s breakout performance marks an important step in her growth, both individually and as part of a team with championship aspirations.
“Yes, of course. I feel like I’m getting better every day. The team’s getting better every day, and thanks to Coach LA since he’s very encouraging, which helps a lot.”
