University of the Philippines suffered a tough 95–70 defeat to the Japan Women’s College of Physical Education (JWCPE) in their opening game of the 2025 BLIA Cup University Basketball Invitational on Tuesday morning at the Fengshan Sports Arena in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
The loss against the Division 2 squad from the Kanto University League dealt a heavy blow to the Fighting Maroons’ semifinal hopes.
It also drops them into a must-win scenario against last year’s runners-up Fo Guang University, tomorrow at 1:20 PM to stay in contention for a crossover semis slot.
Without the services of Gilas Women guard and UAAP Season 87 Mythical Five member Louna Ozar, UP struggled to establish rhythm early. JWCPE quickly capitalized, closing the first quarter on a commanding 15–5 run to take a 27–18 lead.
That early burst proved to be the turning point, as the Japanese squad extended their advantage to as many as 18 points in the second quarter and held a 53–40 lead at halftime.
The Fighting Maroons showed some life in the third, trimming the deficit to just eight points, 55–47, on an and-one layup by Achrissa Maw. But JWCPE responded with composure, closing the quarter with a 7–2 spurt to head into the final frame with a 77–62 cushion.
Any hopes of a comeback were dashed in the fourth quarter after back-to-back triples by Noa Hoshino and two free throws from Haruka Okai widened the gap to 87–62 with under five minutes remaining.
UP’s offense faltered down the stretch, managing only eight points on 4-of-13 shooting in the final quarter. Defensive lapses further hampered their chances as JWCPE continued to control the pace.
Kaye Pesquera was the lone bright spot for the Maroons, finishing with 13 points, three assists, and two steals.
Shane Cunanan added nine points, while Maw chipped in eight points, one assist, and one rebound. Camille Nolasco and Mary Mejasco each contributed seven markers.
With the win, JWCPE took an early lead in Pool A and moved one step closer to a semifinals berth.
A victory over the Malaysia Selection Team tomorrow at 4:40 p.m. would secure their place in the next round.
Nari Umemura led five JWCPE players in double figures, tallying 17 points, five rebounds, four assists, and four steals.
Okai followed with a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds, along with three steals and an assist.
Makoto Hosokawa and Hiyori Shimoi added 11 points apiece, while Hoshino and Hibiki Kanno contributed 10 points each.
