Final Four-bound Ateneo de Manila University overcame a tough challenge from also-ran University of the East, securing a 64-54 victory in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Saturday morning.
The Blue Eagles extended their winning streak to four games, improving to an 8-5 record.
While still in fourth place, they are now just half a game behind the Adamson Lady Falcons (8-4), who will face the UST Growling Tigresses later in the day.
“I’m happy we won the game, but also not content with how we’re heading into the Final Four,” said Ateneo assistant coach Bacon Austria.
“We told the girls to take it day by day, hoping that each game would help us improve as we approach the Final Four.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
With 7:46 remaining in the fourth quarter, four consecutive points from Rachel Lacayanga pulled the Lady Warriors within five, 44-49.
However, Ateneo’s twin towers, Kacey Dela Rosa and Sarah Makanjuola, took control to power the Blue Eagles to a strong finish.
The pair combined for an 11-2 run, giving Ateneo a commanding 60-46 lead with 4:34 left.
Dela Rosa posted her 13th double-double of the season, finishing with 19 points, 14 rebounds, five blocks, and four steals.
Nigerian center Makanjuola contributed 14 points and 17 rebounds. Sandra Villacruz and Nicole Aguirre also stepped up, scoring 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Ateneo played without starting guard Junize Calago, who served a one-game suspension on Saturday due to an accumulation of unsportsmanlike fouls.
Calago had been averaging 12.23 points, 6.67 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.92 steals.
The Blue Eagles’ final elimination-round game will be against the Lady Falcons next Saturday at the San Juan Arena.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, the Lady Warriors suffered their ninth consecutive loss, dropping to a 1-12 record.
They will face the UP Fighting Maroons in their season finale next Saturday as well.
Lacayanga led UE with 21 points on 24 shots, adding nine rebounds and five steals.
Jearzy Ganade contributed 12 points, seven assists, and five rebounds.
The Scores:
Ateneo 64 – Dela Rosa 19, Makanjuola 14, Villacruz 12, Aguirre 11, Oani 4, Batongbakal 2, Cancio 2, Angala 0, Lopez 0, Nieves 0, Eufemiano 0.
UE 54 – Lacayanga 21, Ganade 12, Kone 8, Ronquillo 6, Dalguntas 3, Buscar 2, Vacalares 2, Yanez 0, Cruz 0.
Quarterscores: 22-19, 38-26, 47-40, 64-54.
