University of the Philippines closed its campaign in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament with an emphatic 65-48 win over University of the East at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Saturday.
The Fighting Maroons ended the season with back-to-back victories, finishing in fifth place with a 5-9 record.
“For our season, I can only relate it to more learnings. I think this year, we did not reach our targets, but it’s a season that taught us valuable lessons, which we will carry over into the next season,” said UP head coach Paul Ramos.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Despite trailing by as much as 20 in the first half, the Lady Warriors fought back in the third quarter with a flurry of baskets from Aliyah Ronquillo, Moana Vacalares, and Rachel Lacayanga, pulling within four points at 34-38 midway through the period.
However, prized rookie Camille Nolasco took over, draining three triples to end the third quarter with UP leading by 16, 53-37.
Nolasco, a member of Gilas Pilipinas Women, had her best game in the UAAP, finishing with 14 points, four rebounds, and two assists to lead the Fighting Maroons.
Kaye Pesquera contributed 14 points, while Louna Ozar added 13 points, four rebounds, and three steals.
Erika Jimenez and Christie Bariquit played their final game for the Fighting Maroons.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Lady Warriors finished in last place with a 1-13 record, though they showed improvement from their winless campaign last year.
Jearzy Ganade, who posted 17 points, five rebounds, and five assists, also played her final game in a Lady Warrior uniform.
The Scores:
UP 65 – Nolasco 14, Pesquera 14, Ozar 13, Maw 9, Tapawan 4, Solitario 3, Mendoza 2, Jimenez 2, Vingno 2, Sauz 1, Quinquinio 1, Lozada 0, Bariquit 0, Barba 0.
UE 48 – Ganade 17, Ronquillo 10, Lacayanga 6, Kone 5, Vacalares 4, Buscar 4, Lumibao 2, Dalguntas 0.
Quarterscores: 13-9, 34-20, 53-37, 65-48.
