Ateneo de Manila University extended its hot run to four in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Basketball Tournament after overcoming Far Eastern University, 72-64, on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Blue Eagles turned things around after the halftime break behind Sandra Villacruz, Kacey Dela Rosa and Sarah Makanjuola for a nine-point cushion at the end of the third quarter.
Ateneo continued its rise from a season-opening loss to defending champion National University as it braces for a tough two-game stretch against University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines.
The duo Josee Kaputu and Queenie Aquino gave the Lady Tamaraws a bright start, scoring seven unanswered points to give their team a 32-19 lead halfway through the second quarter but floundered in the second half.
Come the payoff period, Dela Rosa, Jhaz Joson, and Junize Calago converted baskets to give the Blue Eagles their biggest lead of the ballgame at 68-55 with less than four minutes remaining in the game to seal the win.
“We started really bad, but we were able to make adjustments in the second half and it helped us win the game,” said Makanjuola, Ateneo’s Nigerian center who had a double-double outing of 13 points and 11 rebounds, to go along with two steals and two blocks.
Dela Rosa also produced a double-double effort of 20 points and 11 rebounds and had three steals.
“Very important game for us kasi kadikit namin si FEU sa standings. We wanted to take one step trying to get to the Final Four so this is a big win for us,” said Ateneo head coach LA Mumar.
Calago had 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals while Joson scored 10 points, provided seven assists and had no turnovers for Ateneo.
Ateneo’s starters proved key for the Blue Eagles, scoring 65 points compared to FEU’s 46. The Blue Eagles’ defense forced the Lady Tamaraws to commit 30 turnovers, which gave the former 19 points.
The Blue Eagles will next play the Growling Tigresses this Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the Adamson University Gym.
Josee Kaputu’s monster game for the Lady Tamaraws went for naught as she led them with 26 points – 20 of which came in the first half — and 20 rebounds. Jaina Del Prado and Queenie Aquino contributed nine points each.
FEU, which lost two in a row and third overall in five games, will go up against Adamson University this Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the same San Marcelino venue.
The Scores:
Ateneo 72 – Dela Rosa 20, Calago 14, Makanjoula 13, Joson 10, Villacruz 8, Solis 7, Eufamiano 0, Cancio 0, Nieves 0, Gastador 0, Fetalvero 0.
FEU 64 – Kaputu 26, Del Prado 9, Aquino 9, Salvani 7, Lopez 5, Delos Santos 4, Ong 2, Cabahug 2, Pasilang 0, Manguiat 0, Dela Torre 0, Caringal 0, Paras 0, Nagma 0.
Quarterscores: 18-21, 36-41, 56-47, 72-64.
