University of the Philippines earned its first win of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament, dominating University of the East with a 67-43 wire-to-wire victory on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Eager to rebound after a 68-79 loss to Ateneo de Manila University on opening day, the Fighting Maroons built a commanding 38-16 lead in the second quarter, punctuated by Riomay Cuenca’s basket with just 43 seconds left before halftime.
After the break, UP maintained its momentum, stretching the gap to as wide as 54-24 after a layup from Gilas Women’s standout Louna Ozar with 27.4 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
De La Salle Zobel alumna Achrissa Maw led the Fighting Maroons, contributing 18 points, six rebounds, and a plus-21 efficiency rating in just 24 minutes of play. She was supported by rookie Camille Nolasco, who added nine points and three rebounds.
Ozar, a sophomore, had a productive game as well, finishing with six points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and seven steals.
Despite still adjusting to the loss of Season 86 Rookie of the Year Favour Onoh, who is sidelined for the season due to an ACL injury, UP head coach Paul Ramos remains optimistic.
He believes the Maroons are using this setback as motivation to succeed this year.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“To answer that very simply, it will show in the remaining games if we’ve learned how to win without Favour,” said Ramos, “but I’m happy that today we were able to get the first win. Talking about Favour, everybody has been inspired preparing for this season. She’s a big contributor to our performance.”
He added, “The nice thing about it is that everybody is so motivated and so inspired that I feel the loss of Favour will be distributed among these girls.”
Defense was the key for UP in this game, as they capitalized on UE’s 35 turnovers, scoring 31 points from them.
The Fighting Maroons’ perimeter shooting also played a vital role, outscoring the Lady Warriors 23-7 from outside.
Looking ahead, UP will aim to build on this win as they face National University this Wednesday at 1:30 p.m., again at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“Ang NU, staple na yan sa women’s basketball,” said Ramos. “Whether we like it or not, kahit anong motivation sa team na lumalaro against NU, you can say anything you want before the game to say this team is beatable, but I feel NU has earned that respect. Every time you play against them, you have to be at your best.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, UE, now 0-2 this season and riding a 39-game losing streak across four seasons, will try to secure their first win since Season 82.
Adding to UE’s woes, Shalimar Dublar and Katherine Ruiz both exited the game due to injuries—Dublar at the 1:11 mark of the second quarter, and Ruiz with 27.4 seconds left in the third.
Sophomore Rachel Lacayanga was a bright spot for UE, registering a double-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and five steals.
The Lady Warriors face the FEU Lady Tamaraws at 11:30 a.m. at the same venue.
The Scores:
UP 67 – Maw 18, Nolasco 9, Pesquera 8, Vingno 8, Ozar 6, Solitario 6, Lozada 4, Jimenez 2, Tapawan 2, Bariquit 2, Cuenca 2, Quinquinio 0, Mendoza 0, Barba 0, Sauz 0.
UE 43 – Lacayanga 10, Ganade 9, Vacalares 6, Yanez 5, Cruz 5, Ronquillo 5, Ruiz 2. Kone 1, Buscar 0, Delig 0, Dublar 0.
Quarterscores: 19-7, 38-18, 53-24, 67-43.
