Ateneo de Manila University’s twin towers, Sarah Makanjuola and reigning MVP Kacey Dela Rosa, powered the Blue Eagles to an emphatic 90-62 victory over the University of the East.
The team secures a share of third in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Reigning MVP Dela Rosa led the charge with an impressive performance, recording 19 points, 13 rebounds, three blocks, and two assists, marking her sixth double-double of the season in as many games.
Complementing her effort, Nigerian student-athlete Makanjuola also delivered a notable performance. She finished with 14 points and 17 rebounds, along with three blocks and two steals.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
With this victory, Ateneo improved its record to 4-2, tying idle Adamson University for third in the standings.
“We’re unapologetic and we’re an inside-out ‘Duncan-Robinson’ team [with Kacey and Sarah]. We’re really just in, in, in. Whatever the defense gives us, we’ll take it. We will always start from the inside; that’s not a secret,” said Blue Eagles head coach LA Mumar.
“We will live and die with how we play – that’s the identity of the Ateneo women’s basketball team.”
The game started competitively, with the teams tied at 15-all after the first quarter.
However, the Blue Eagles ignited their offense during the second quarter, outscoring UE 35-12 to take a commanding 50-27 lead at halftime.
From that point onward, Ateneo never looked back, extending their advantage to a game-high 31 points in the final period to secure their fourth win in six games.
“I think we knew that these two games would be very important heading into the match against NU. We were able to execute the game plan, and I think we expect to get better as the season goes along,” he added.
In addition to Dela Rosa and Makanjuola, Calago contributed an efficient 15 points, along with five rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Rookie Kai Oani also had a standout performance, achieving the best outing of her young UAAP career with 13 points, three assists, and three steals. She had a plus-27 rating in 26 minutes and seven seconds of play.
Looking ahead, the Blue Eagles aim to extend their winning streak to three games when they face the undefeated National U side on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In contrast, the Lady Warriors struggled in their effort, with Jearzy Ganade pacing the team in a losing effort. She scored 15 points while contributing seven assists, five rebounds, and three steals.
Malian center Kamba Kone added 10 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
The loss kept UE at the bottom with a 1-5 slate, alongside De La Salle and FEU.
On the other hand, the Lady Warriors are determined to snap a two-game skid when they battle the red-hot Adamson University on Sunday, Oct. 6, at the same Pasay venue.
The Scores:
Ateneo (90) – Dela Rosa 19, Calago 15, Makanjoula 14, Oani 13, Cancio 7, Villacruz 6, Cruza 4, Eufemanio 3, Fetalvero 3, Nieves 2, Aquirre 2, Olivenza 1, Angala 1, Batongbakal 0, Lopez 0, Salgado 0.
UE (62) – Ganade 15, Kone 10, Lacayanga 9, Ronquillo 8, Ruiz 8, Buscar 4, Cruz 4, Gomez 3, Yanes 1, Vacalares 0, Delig 0.
Quarterscores: 15-15, 50-27, 67-43, 90-62
