IN A late-game scoring surge, the Ateneo Blue Eagles achieved another compelling victory after taking down the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws, 72-64. The matchup unfolded at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City earlier today.
This win puts the Blue Eagles at a 4-1 win-loss record in the elimination round standings of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Kacey Dela Rosa’s impressive maneuvers on the hardwood led the Blue Eagles with a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds. Junize Calago supplemented the center’s performance with a contribution of 14 points, while Sarah Makanjuola recorded another double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Blue Eagles steadily opened the match by assuming a strong offensive stance from the outset. Although rushed baskets and foul troubles from Ateneo gave their adversaries the early command, well-executed plays by Makanjuola and Calago gave the Blue Eagles enough time to pick up their momentum, 12-10.
Each ensuing minute then sought a trade of baskets between both teams on the court. However, a buzzer-beating shot by FEU’s Josee Kaputu left Ateneo trailing by a slim three-point margin to end the first quarter, 18-21.
In attempts to contain the Lady Tamaraws, the Blue Eagles decided to thread carefully in the second quarter. However, their endeavors did not yield immediate improvement as FEU kept up a scoring streak marked by offensive and precise baskets from the interior.
As a result, the Blue Eagles found themselves facing a double-digit deficit in the early stages of the second canto, 19-32. However, Calago and Dela Rosa mounted a spirited offensive effort with strong drives to the basket, attempting to chip away at the lead. Despite their commendable efforts, the persistent foul troubles involving standout Dela Rosa remained a formidable challenge for the Blue Eagles to surmount, ending the first half, 36-41.
Team Captain Jhazmin Joson opened the second half with a splash of blue from downtown, which changed the tune of the game in favor of the Katipunan-based squad, 39-41. Following the skipper were Calago and Makanjuola, who—thanks to their timely and-one baskets—were able to give the Blue and White their lead back 44-43.
The Lady Tamaraws and Blue Eagles were locked in a tight race like an oscillating wave, until Ateneo shattered this standstill midway through the quarter. Thanks to their steady play on both sides of the ball, the Blue and White were able to outscore the Lady Tamaraws in the third frame, 20-6, to build a nine-point lead heading into the last canto, 56-47.
In the fourth quarter, the Blue Eagles would tightly clutch the lead inside their claws. With every possession, Ateneo would outmaneuver the Lady Tamaraws with swift and agile movements, escaping FEU’s attempts to stop them. This impressive sequence was highlighted by Dela Rosa when she drove and hit a clean fast break layup to the detriment of the group of Lady Tamaraws right behind her.
With 3:04 minutes left, the Blue and White kept a 10-point advantage over their opponents, 68-58. After taking the beating for the rest of the match, Ateneo never once gave in; with their efforts in the latter half, they were rewarded. The Blue and White managed to decisively win over FEU, 72-64, demonstrating the team’s ability to instantly flip the switch even during the most critical of situations.
“We started really bad, but we were able to make adjustments in the second half and it really helped us win this game,” Makanjuola stated. “I knew we were going to win anyways.”
The Blue Eagles will return to Adamson Gym on Wednesday, October 18 at 1:00 PM where they will be going toe-to-toe with the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses.
Box Scores:
Ateneo (72): Dela Rosa – 20, Calago – 14, Makanjuola – 13, Joson – 10, Villacruz – 8, Solis – 7
FEU (64): Kaputu – 26, Del Prado – 9, Aquino – 9, Salvani – 7, Lopez – 5, Santos – 4, Ong – 2, Cabahug – 2, Pasilang – 0, Mangungiat – 0, Dela Torre – 0, Caringal – 0, Paras – 0, and Nagma – 0
Quarter Scores: Ateneo-FEU: 18-21, 36-41, 56-47, 72-64
