Ateneo de Manila University secured the last spot in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four after eliminating Far Eastern University, 85-70, on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
With their third consecutive victory, the Blue Eagles improved their record to 7-5 – effectively extinguishing the Final Four hopes of the DLSU Lady Archers, UP Fighting Maroons, and the Lady Tamaraws.
This win also marked Ateneo’s third straight Final Four appearance, dating back to Season 85.
The victory kept the Blue Eagles in contention for the third seed, as they are now just 1.5 games behind the Adamson Lady Falcons, who hold an 8-3 record.
“Our girls are competitive enough. We want to build momentum heading into the Final Four. Hindi mo naman masasabi pa if Final Four or stepladder, but we just want to stay ready for any scenario,” said Ateneo head coach La Mumar.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Reigning MVP Kacey Dela Rosa and rookie Kai Oani played crucial roles in Ateneo’s dominant 20-8 second-quarter run. The two combined for 15 points to push the Blue Eagles to a comfortable 14-point lead, 37-23, by halftime.
Ateneo continued to assert control in the second half. An inside basket by Dela Rosa and a three-pointer from Oani extended the lead to 16 points, 62-46, heading into the final period.
Consecutive three-pointers by Yunika Angala and Aly Eufemiano in the fourth quarter pushed Ateneo’s advantage to a game-high 27 points, 83-56, securing their seventh win in 12 outings.
This victory mirrored their 69-53 first-round triumph over the Lady Tamaraws on September 29.
“That will be the theme of our season. Our twin towers have been very consistent, so it’s a lot of the guards, wings, and our backup bigs. We need everyone to step up and do their role. They need to be a star in their role,” Mumar added.
Dela Rosa posted her 12th consecutive double-double with 24 points, 18 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and one steal.
Nigerian center Sarah Makanjoula also impressed with 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting, 11 rebounds, and one block.
Rookie Oani finished with 14 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Junize Calago delivered an all-around performance with eight points, seven rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block.
Looking ahead, Ateneo will aim for the third seed when they face a struggling University of the East squad on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
On the other hand, Shane Salvani led the Lady Tamaraws in the loss, tallying a game-high 29 points, seven steals, six rebounds, and six assists.
EJ Lopez added 10 points, two rebounds, and one assist.
MJ Manguiat was limited to nine points on 3-of-10 shooting but contributed four rebounds and four assists. Meanwhile, Yvette Villanueva chipped in seven points, six rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.
FEU will look to end its Season 87 campaign on a positive note, starting with a match-up against the University of the Philippines on the same date and venue.
The Scores:
Ateneo (85) – Dela Rosa 24, Makanjoula 21, Oani 14, Calago 8, Eufemiano 7, Angala 6, Cancio 2, Aguirre 2, Batongbakal 1, Villacruz 0, Cruza 0, Olivenza 0, Fetalvero 0.
FEU (70) – Salvani 29, Lopez 10, Manguiat 9, Villanueva 7, Pasilang 6, Gavaran 3, Nagma 2, Ong 2, Paras 2, Dela Torre 0.
Quarterscores: 17-14, 37-27, 62-46, 85-70
