The De La Salle University Lady Archers have had nothing short of an impressive elimination round campaign in the UAAP Season 78 women’s basketball tournament, and aim to join National University in the finals.
The last rivals standing in the way of the Taft crew are the determined and hard-fighting Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles. The Loyola side have survived three do-or-die games and have won four out of their last five matches to stay in the hunt for a title.
Ateneo once again received better offensive support outside of their duo of Danica Jose and Hazelle Yam. Against the University of the East whom the team edged, 65-62, Akiko Tomita and Katrina Guytingco chipped in 10 points apiece. Cara Buendia added 9 rebounds to backstop the Ateneo frontline.
The Lady Eagles have been improving steadily and have showed their playoff form, but now they are going against one of the best systems in the league.
Head coach Cholo Villanueva’s Lady Archers are the second-ranked offensive team and are also no. 2 in assists per game, relying on a no-superstar, everyone-can-take-charge mantra.
Forward and returning, Ara Abaca led the Lady Archers’ charge throughout the elimination round, doing it all with 10.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG, and 4 APG. Her ability to read from the high post and finish strong has given La Salle an additional edge on offense.
The backcourt tandem of Camille Claro (10.6 PPG, 3.8 APG) and Khate Castillo (12.2 PPG, no. 2 three-point percentage) have also been splendid in spacing and playmaking duties.
Keys to the game
La Salle: Strength in numbers
The Lady Archers should continue doing what they have been performing well in the elimination round. Attacking the basket leads to open shots, and with the right spacing and a handful of unselfish and good shot creators, they will be hard to stop.
Ateneo: Support for Jose
Once more, Jose will need the help of the entire crew. La Salle may most likely attack Ateneo’s lack of three-point shooting and this is where Jose needs to become a good reader from the low post. Her teammates should move well without the ball by cutting or going side to side. On defense, Ateneo should protect the basket well and secure the rebounds to have more opportunities to run and score in transition.
X-Factors
La Salle: Marga Dagdagan
Aside from Castillo, Dagdagan is one of La Salle’s best outside shooters. The Lady Archers will need her production to create more separation from the Lady Eagles.
Ateneo: Akiko Tomita
Tomita has been solid against UE, keeping Ateneo ahead in the third quarter with her inside play. If double-teams come to Jose, Tomita should find the proper position inside to receive touches and create.
Prognosis
Ateneo will give La Salle their toughest challenge, but the Lady Archers will hold on for a 2-point win in the first game. The rest will do the Lady Archers well and make them an even better unit.
