Ateneo de Manila University capitalized on a shorthanded Far Eastern University (FEU) side, securing a 69-53 wire-to-wire victory to stay in the top four of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Reigning UAAP MVP Kacey Dela Rosa led the charge for the Blue Eagles, registering one of two double-doubles for her team with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
Nigerian student-athlete Sarah Makanjuola was equally dominant, contributing 17 points and a game-high 17 rebounds, helping Ateneo control the paint.
Despite trailing by as many as 16 points, the Lady Tamaraws mounted a late push in the fourth quarter.
A 10-4 run early in the period cut Ateneo’s lead to just eight, 52-44, putting some pressure on the Blue Eagles. However, Ateneo quickly found its rhythm once again.
A crucial three-pointer from Gracie Batongbakal, a layup from Makanjuola, and a technical free throw by Kai Oani sparked a game-sealing 16-2 run. Together, they extended Ateneo’s lead to a commanding 22 points, 68-46, with less than 2:30 remaining.
This victory allowed Ateneo to secure solo fourth place in the standings with a 3-2 record, creating some separation from their Katipunan rivals, the University of the Philippines, who currently sit at 2-3.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“We’re looking for some consistency, and I expected us to be a little bit rocky in the first round,” said Blue Eagles head coach La Mumar.
“It’s a big adjustment for all of us, but I think our girls are responding well. We’re an inside-out team and we feel that we can really build the team around these two girls (Dela Rosa and Makanjuola)… We’re gonna roll with that identity.”
Batongbakal played an important supporting role, chipping in nine points on an efficient 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Junize Calago posted a near-double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds, adding to Ateneo’s balanced effort on both ends of the court.
Ateneo looks to continue its winning ways as they face the University of the East on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the same venue in Cubao.
On the other hand, FEU’s struggles persisted under head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy. They dropped to a 1-5 record, tying De La Salle University at the bottom of the standings.
The Lady Tamaraws were missing key players, including Congolese import Josee Kaputu, sidelined with a torn ACL in her left knee, and their top scorer Shane Salvani, who was serving a one-game suspension.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Salvani, who had been averaging 14.25 points, 5.25 rebounds, 3.75 assists, and 1.25 steals per game, was ejected during their previous game against La Salle after a disqualifying foul in the final seconds, where she was caught clotheslining Luisa dela Paz during FEU’s 65-89 loss.
Yvette Villanueva, who had been averaging 2.4 points and 4.2 rebounds before this game, stepped up for the nine-woman Lady Tamaraws, finishing with 18 points and nine rebounds.
However, MJ Manguiat struggled to find her form, scoring 10 points on a tough 18.2 percent shooting clip.
FEU will aim to snap their losing skid when they face reigning champion University of Santo Tomas on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
Ateneo (69) – Dela Rosa 20, Makanjoula 17, Batongbakal 9, Calago 9, Villacruz 4, Oani 4, Cruza 3, Cancio 2, Fetalvero 1, Angala 0, Lopez 0, Eufemiano 0, Olivenza 0, Nieves 0, Salgado 0, Aquirre 0.
FEU (53) – Villanueva 18, Manguiat 10, Libor 8, Pasilang 5, Lopez 5, Ong 4, Dela Torre 3, Paras 0, Nagma 0, Gavaran 0.
Quarterscores: 18-7, 28-19, 48-34, 69-53
