THE ATENEO Women’s Basketball Team (AWBT) cruised past the Adamson University Lady Falcons (AdU), 69-59, earlier today at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.
This win advances the AWBT to a winning 2-1 win-loss card in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Sophomore standout Kacey Dela Rosa dominated the game with an unstoppable 28-point, 10-rebound double-double. The energetic Junize Calago followed suit for the Blue and White with 13 points and 9 rebounds.
Right from the onset, the AWBT opened the first quarter on an 8-0 scoring salvo until the 5:33 mark. A combination of consistent scoring and tough defense allowed the Blue Eagles to contain the Lady Falcons. Star duo Jhazmin Joson and Dela Rosa led the Blue and White’s offensive storm, with the first quarter ending in a double-digit Ateneo lead, 20-10.
The following quarter saw Ateneo balloon their lead to 17, 28-11. However, the Lady Falcons would slowly cut into this lead with multiple trips to the charity stripe, shortening the deficit to 11, 30-19. Calago halted AdU’s run with her scoring prowess, allowing the Blue and White to close the first half with a comfortable 15-point lead, 36-21.
After the resumptionAfter the resumption, Ateneo reigned over the third quarter, finding a home under the basket. Dela Rosa led the Blue Eagle charge, ballooning their lead to 23 at the six-minute mark, 44-21. In addition, a strong defensive quarter from the Katipunan-based team prohibited AdU from sparking a run to sustain the lead. As a result of their steady play on both ends, the AWBT finished the third quarter strongly, 50-32.
Looking to make things interesting, the Lady Falcons would uncork a quick run to open the final quarter, cutting the lead to 11 by the eight-minute mark, 52-43. Nevertheless, the AWBT managed to hold off this scoring surge by staying consistent in the perimeter. Three-pointers from Aishee Solis allowed Ateneo to stay afloat throughout the quarter. Consequently, the Loyola-based squad comfortably finished the final frame and the game with a comfortable 10-point lead, 69-59.
The Blue Eagles aim to carry on with their momentum as they go against the University of the East Lady Warriors on Wednesday, October 11, 3:00 PM at the Adamson University Gym.
Box Score:
Ateneo (69): Dela Rosa – 28, Calago – 13, Joson – 12, Solis – 6, Makanjoula – 4, Angala – 3, Villacruz – 2, Cancio – 1
Adamson (59): Limbago – 16, Padilla – 11, Adeshina – 7, Alaba – 7, Dampios – 6, Etang – 5, Meniano – 4, Bajo – 3
