A WHOPPING 36 offensive rebounds coupled with 26 second-chance points from the Golden Tigresses spelled disaster for the Ateneo Lady Eagles as they were defeated, 60-82, in the second round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 81 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, November 7, at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Ateneo shooting guard, Jollina Go put up 11 points including a pair of three-point baskets, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals to lead the Lady Eagles. Joanne Nimes provided a spark off the bench as she knocked down two baskets from beyond the arc to end the contest with 10 points and five rebounds. Jhazmin Joson added 9 points, three rebounds and three assists.

It was a memorable outing for UST guard, Ana Tacatac, as she torched the Lady Eagles by unleashing eight triples en route to 31 points, coupled with two rebounds and two assists. Meanwhile, Malu Irebu and Misaela Larosa both recorded double-doubles, with the former posting 23 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks while the latter had 12 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Reynalyn Ferrer chipped in with seven points and 19 rebounds.

The España-based side took control of the match early on with Tacatac scoring eight of the Tigresses’ first 13 points to hand Ateneo a 0-13 deficit. Ateneo’s starting backcourt duo of Go and Joson managed to get the Blue and White going as they combined for 10 straight points, 10-13. The Lady Eagles’ momentum helped them complete the 17-3 run to end the quarter, overturning the early deficit, 17-16.

Tacatac drilled three shots from beyond the arc to set the tone of the second quarter. Not long after, the Golden Tigresses pulled together a string of brilliant offensive moves to finally stamp their authority on the game. They outscored the Lady Eagles, 13-6, with Irebu showing her proficiency in the low post with a beautiful spin move, 28-44.

Both teams traded baskets for the majority of the third period with Irebu leading the way for UST and Guytingco taking charge for the Katipunan-based side. Irebu continued her stellar offensive work with a couple of post-moves while Guytingco took the route of getting the ball by driving inside and drawing fouls. The Golden Tigresses headed into the final quarter with a 19-point advantage, 40-59.

Nimes stepped up for the Blue and White by tallying 10 points in the final period alone, including two three-pointers. On the other hand, Tacatac continued her hot shooting from the previous quarters, draining three more baskets from deep. Irebu sealed the victory for the España-based side as her dominance in the paint off multiple offensive rebounds resulting in second-chance points summarized the story of the game, 60-82.

The Ateneo Lady Eagles will resume their UAAP Season 81 campaign on Tuesday, November 13, against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Archers, 11AM, at the Blue Eagle Gym (BEG) in Quezon City.

Quarter Scores:

Ateneo-UST: 17-16, 28-44, 40-59, 60-82

Box Score:

Ateneo (60): Go 11, Nimes 10, Joson 9, Guytingco 7, Cancio 6, Villamor 5, Buendia 3, De Dios 3, Newsome 2, Gino-Gino 2, Payac 2, Miranda 0, Quirante 0

UST (82): Tacatac 31, Irebu 23, Larosa 12, Ferrer 7, Aujero 5, Capilit 3, Sangalang 1, Portillo 0, Rivera 0, Gonzales 0, Magat 0, Casiano 0, Valera 0