Ateneo de Manila University earned its first win in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Basketball Tournament, surviving a gallant De La Salle University in overtime, 87-80, on Wednesday at Adamson Gym in San Marcelino, Manila.
More than securing their first win of the season, Blue Eagles head coach LA Mumar was relieved to finally get one over their archrivals, the Lady Archers, after losing to them twice a year ago.
“It’s our first win for the season. We didn’t win against La Salle last year, and Jhaz and I remember that very well,” said the second-year Blue Eagles head coach.
Fifth-year winger Jhazmin Joson did not allow Ateneo to fall to La Salle in overtime.
Joson, who only scored five points in regulation, took charge in overtime, firing two triples, including a clutch trey with 55 seconds remaining that gave the Blue Eagles an 85-80 lead.
Off a timeout, the Lady Archers could not inbound the ball, resulting in a five-second infraction. Katelyn Cancio delivered the dagger with a layup seconds later.
“Our girls are still immature. We had the game won already, but I’m just so happy that the fighting heart was there in overtime. We could have easily folded up, but the girls fought back,” said Mumar.
Joson ended up with 11 points, helping Ateneo bounce back from a 77-57 defeat at the hands of National University on opening day.
“I was really nervous because that never happened in my life, but I’m really grateful that the girls tried to fight back. It’s still a great win,” said Joson.
The Blue Eagles squandered a 72-67 lead with 52 seconds left in regulation. A Luisa San Juan trey followed by two clutch free throws from Bernice Paraiso sent the game into overtime.
Junize Calago led the way for Ateneo with 22 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
Kacey dela Rosa (13 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks) and Sarah Makanjuola (14 points and 16 rebounds) also recorded double-doubles for the Blue Eagles. Makanjuola fouled out with 26 seconds left in the final frame.
Ateneo will aim for a back-to-back win on Sunday when it faces Adamson University at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
San Juan had a game-high 29 points for La Salle, which fell to a 0-2 record. Luisa Dela Paz added 14 points.
La Salle seeks its first win also on Sunday against University of Santo Tomas.
The Scores:
Ateneo 87 – Calago 22, Dela Rosa 14, Makajuola 13, Joson 11, SOlis 9, Cancio 7, Villacruz 6, Eufemiano 3, Gastador 2, Angala 0.
DLSU 80 – San Juan 29, Dela Paz 14, Binaohan 9, Paraiso 9, Sario 8, Mendoza 6, Villava-cua 3, Delos Reyes 2, Bacierto 0, Bojang 0, Catalan 0.
Quarterscores: 19-23, 39-38, 53-53, 72-72, 87-80.
