The University of the East Lady Warriors put an uncharacteristic first quarter behind them to eventually demolish the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons, 50-36, today at the Ateneo de Manila University’s Blue Eagle Gym.
“Of course masaya kami. At the same time nabigyan namin ng breaks yung ibang players namin, yung hindi masyado nabibigyan ng playing time. Nabigyan namin sila ni coach Aileen Lebornio ng chance to play para maka-experience ng UAAP games,” commented UE assistant coach Corazon Macalalad.
Lebornio’s wards only scored three points in the opening period, but came alive soon in the next frame when Love Sto. Domingo capped off a 6-0 run to hand UE a 17-11 edge from UP at halftime.
From the anemic first half, the Lady Warriors played like they had woken up from their slumber upon their return at the start of the third quarter. Buenca Ramos’ charity capped off a 14-3 run, which allowed UE to lead 31-14 to effectively seal the win.
Sto. Domingo led UE today with 19 points and it was her three that lengthened UE’s separation from UP to 37-18. With the result very much done and dusted, the Lady Warriors achieved their biggest lead of the ballgame at 43-20 via a Jaivie Nama three in the opening moments of the final period.
UE eventually won 50-36 over UP, and look set to return to the UAAP Season 80 Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four.
Key to the Lady Warriors’ win was their 18 assists, which helped them pound the Lady Maroons for 32 inside points. In contrast, UP only had six assists and 22 inside points.
Pesky Pesquera led UP with eight points, while Therese Medina sunk seven baskets and got 12 boards for the Lady Maroons.
Macalalad concluded, “Every game prepared naman kami. Always kaming naka heads up. In every situation naka-adjust kami diyan. Laging ready si coach Aileen sa adjustment. Ganun kami mag-prepare as a team. Preparation namin is always championship game.”
UE (8-2) look to continue their run when they face the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws on October 28, 8:00 AM, while State U (0-10) target an upset against the University of Santo Tomas a day later at 8:00 AM. The two games will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
UE (50) – Sto. Domingo 19, Chan 8, Tacula 5, Francisco 4, Requiron 4, Ramos 3, Nama 3, Gayacao 2, Pedregosa 2, Antonio 0, Ebeza 0, Bobis 0, Cortizano 0, Strachan 0.
UP (36) – Pesquera 8, Medina 7, Rodas 6, Isip 6, Domingo 4, Tan 3, Ordozveza 2, Amar 0, Bascon 0, Cruz 0, Lapid 0, Esplana 0, Viray 0, Gatpatan 0.
Quarterscores: 3-7, 17-11, 40-20, 50-36.
