Ateneo de Manila University strengthened its pursuit of a Final Four berth in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament with a wire-to-wire 81-57 victory over winless University of the East, Wednesday afternoon at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Fueled by the breakout performance of rookie duo Hannah Lopez and Erica de Luna, along with the consistent play of reigning two-time MVP Kacey dela Rosa, the Blue Eagles secured back-to-back victories and eliminated the Lady Warriors from Final Four contention for the sixth consecutive season.
With the win, Ateneo solidified its hold on solo third place in the eight-team field with a 7-3 record. They also separated from the three-way logjam at fourth place among Adamson University, De La Salle University, and Far Eastern University (4-6).
Moreover, the victory gave the Blue Eagles a strong momentum boost ahead of their rivalry game against the Lady Archers on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“We’re very wary of UE — they have nothing to lose and sometimes, those are dangerous teams. But I am happy that the team responded the way they did, with maturity. We started off a little bit flat, but we were able to pick it up nung second to fourth quarter. I am happy na nagma-mature na yung team,” Blue Eagles head coach LA Mumar said.
Building on a dominant 37-19 first-half performance, Ateneo opened the third quarter on a strong note with back-to-back triples by Lopez and Gracie Batongbakal to extend their lead to 50-26.
UE responded with a 12-2 run, highlighted by two inside hits from Mhariko Gullim and Rachel Lacayanga, trimming the deficit to 52-38.
However, the Blue Eagles quickly regained control as Dela Rosa, Erica de Luna, and Lopez combined for a 20-2 run that stretched into the early moments of the fourth quarter.
Lopez then added an eight-point spurt to give Ateneo a decisive 69-38 advantage with over seven minutes remaining.
That second-half surge proved more than enough, as the Blue Eagles — who also dominated the Lady Warriors, 81-52, in their first-round matchup on September 24 — secured their 12th straight win over UE dating back to Season 81.
Dela Rosa led Ateneo with 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting, seven rebounds, and two blocks. Lopez contributed 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting with two steals, one block, and one rebound.
De Luna added a well-rounded performance of 10 points, six rebounds, five steals, and three assists, while Batongbakal chipped in 10 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, the Lady Warriors last made the postseason in Season 81, finishing second in the eliminations before bowing to eventual champion National University in the Finals.
Syvil Onate paced UE with 14 points, six rebounds, and two steals, while Aliyah Ronquillo added 11 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block.
UE will look to bounce back against a struggling University of the Philippines this Saturday, November 8, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
The Scores:
Ateneo (81) – Dela Rosa 19, Lopez 18, De Luna 10, Batongbakal 10, Cancio 6, Malagar 6, Oani 3, Fetalvero 3, Villacruz 2, Makanjoula 2, Olivenza 2, Cruza 0, Chan 0, Lopez 0.
UE (57) – Onate 14, Ronquillo 11, Buscar 9, Lacayanga 9, Vacalares 7, Gollum 5, Lumibao 2, Ramos 0, Dalguntas 0, Salise 0, Trinidad 0, Gomez 0, Solomon 0, Delig 0.
Quarterscores: 13-7, 37-19, 64-38, 81-57.
