The University of the East Lady Warriors seized their fourth win of the UAAP Season 79 Women’s Basketball Tournament when they posted a 60-50 win over the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles.
Love Sto. Domingo led the Lady Warriors with 18 points and nine rebounds today at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Sto. Domingo was followed by Eunique Chan and Ruth Tacula who scored 12 and 11 points respectively.
UE led Ateneo 30-24 at halftime and the Lady Warriors continued their momentum when they erected a 34-27 advantage midway through the third period.
The Lady Eagles were then able to cut the deficit within three points. However, baskets from Nicole Mendina, Chan and Anna Requiron helped UE gain its composure and they finished the period 42-36 above Ateneo.
It was in the fourth period when UE broke free of Ateneo. Chan erected a 50-39 cushion for the Lady Warriors. Sto. Domingo then increased it to 53-41.
Although Hazelle Yam was able to bring the Lady Eagles within six points, a three point play from Requiron made it 58-47 for UE as the Lady Warriors eventually won 60-50.
“I think yung problema namin nung first hanggang third quarter is yung opensa namin. Dun kami siguro nakatutok ngayon for the next game. Kasi ang depensa namin, nandun eh. Problema namin yung offense namin,” explained UE mentor Aileen Lebornio.
Lebornio added, “Parang kiti-kiti eh. Naguluhan ako ulit sa players pero maganda lang ulit fourth quarter, nakapag-adjust kami sa offense namin.”
What helped the Lady Warriors clinch the win were their rebounds and second chance points. UE had 47 rebounds 15 second chance points compared to Ateneo’s 33 and 5.
“Sobrang saludo ako sa mga big [wo]man ko. Talagang pinagtrabahuan nila especially si Alyssa Gayacao at sa Bienca Ramos. Talagang binigay nila yung best nila,” commented Lebornio.
Up next for UE (4-1) will be De La Salle University at 10:00AM while Ateneo (2-3) shall play against the University of the Philippines at 8:00am. Both games will be held on September 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
UE (60) – Sto. Domingo 18, Chan 12, Tacula 11, Ramos 8, Requiron 5, Mendina 4, Gayacao 2, Francisco 0, Relova 0.
ADMU (50) – Yam 13, Go 13, Deacon 9, Guytingco 6, Tomita 4, Villamor 3, Newsome 2, Cancio 0, Uy De Ong 0, Payac 0.
Quarterscores: 14-12, 30-24, 42-36, 60-50.
