Ateneo de Manila University staved off University of the East in a highly physical battle, 81-66, to keep its tight grip on the fourth spot in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Basketball Tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, Sunday.
The Blue Eagles punished the Lady Warriors in the paint, scoring 50 points inside while their foes only managed 28.
Ateneo also shot 24-of-45 from the free throw line, including 26 attempts in the second quarter alone. UE went 19-of-28 from the stripe.
“We started very flat I think we came in very relaxed but we were able to turn it up nung second half so happy kahit papaano we got this win,” said Blue Eagles head coach LA Mumar.
The Blue Eagles returned to the win column after succumbing to National University last Wednesday, 84-74, for a 6-3 record — just a game behind second- and third-running University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas at 7-2.
Ateneo remained on course for a second straight Final Four stint as it opened a three-game cushion in the race for the No. 4 spot.
It was in the second quarter that Ateneo created some separation, turning a 26-25 tight affair into a 48-37 game at the break. They went 12-of-26 from the line during that span.
The double-digit lead by Ateneo proved to be too high to climb back from for the Lady Warriors as 10 would be the closest they could get multiple times the rest of the way.
Kacey Dela Rosa despite a slow start, still finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks, while Junize Calago provided 15 points and seven rebounds.
Nigerian big Sarah Makanjuola imposed her will inside, grabbing 22 rebounds to go with 12 points.
“I just played my game. Coach LA always says that we all have to play aggressively because UE is a well-coached team so we had to be aggressive,” said Joson, who had 10 points, 12 assists, five rebounds, three steals, and a block.
Dela Rosa was called for an unsportsmanlike foul at the 9:09 mark of the second frame after appearing to have thrown her elbow to Althea Lorena’s head on a boxout battle.
Meanwhile, UE’s drought continued, losing its 32nd straight game dating back to Season 82. They fell to 0-9 this edition.
Minslie Paule led the Lady Warriors with 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and four steals but went 6-of-22 from the field.
Up next for Ateneo will be University of the Philippines on Sunday while UE seeks to end its losing skid on Saturday against Adamson University. Both games will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
Ateneo 81 – Dela Rosa 22, Calago 15, Makanjoula 12, Joson 10, Cancio 9, Eufemanio 5, Villacruz 4, Angala 2, Fetalvero 2, Chan 0, Gastador 0, Solis 0, Nieves 0, Tan 0, Mataga 0.
UE 66 – Paule 20, Lorena 13, Pedregosa 7, Lumibao 6, Dela Rosa 6, Kone 5, Anastacio 4, Delig 3, Ronquillo 2, Burgos 0, Ruiz 0, Yanez 0, Cruz 0.
Quarterscores: 18-17, 48-37, 61-51, 81-66
