Ateneo de Manila University survived Far Eastern University’s tough stand, 67-64, in the UAAP Season 85 women’s basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
Lj Miranda put the Blue Eagles ahead by three after a booming corner triple with 18.2 seconds left.
Angel Obien’s attempt to send the game to overtime was too strong for the Lady Tamaraws.
FEU clawed its way back from 14 points down, unleashing a 20-10 third quarter to make it a close affair.
“I had to understand that I was expecting this that we will be full of jitters. Outside of Jhaz, 15 of our players have not even really played here in MOA,” said Ateneo head coach LA Mumar.
But ultimately, the Blue Eagles steadied down the stretch, with a huge boost from Miranda.
Miranda the hero led Ateneo with 17 points to go with eight rebounds while Jhaz Joson added 14 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.
Rookie Kacey Dela Rosa had a debut to remember with 14 points, 14 rebounds, six blocks, and three steals.
Camille Taguiam was at the forefront of FEU’s attack with 10 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, barely missing a triple-double. She, however, committed seven turnovers.
Ateneo joined National University, University of Santo Tomas, and De La Salle University as opening weekend victors.
The last time the Blue Eagles defeated FEU in UAAP women’s basketball was on October 13, 2016, a 54-39 win.
Ateneo is all set for a matchup with the six-time defending champions Lady Bulldogs on Wednesday, 11 am, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Meanwhile, the Lady Tamaraws will face University of the East later that day at 1 pm.
The Scores:
Ateneo 67 — Miranda 17, Joson 14, Dela Rosa 14, Villacruz 10, Makanjoula 5, Gino-Gino 3, Jajurie 2, Nieves 1, Eufemanio 1, Calago 0.
FEU 64 –– Jumuad 11, Pacia 11, Taguiam 10, Go 9, Delos Santos 9, Obien 7, Lopez 5, Aquino 2, Samonte 0, Paras 0, Calinawan 0, Cunanan 0, Manguiat 0, Salvani 0.
Quarterscores: 24-17, 43-31, 53-51, 67-64
