THE ATENEO Lady Eagles (2-1) fell to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses (3-0), 73-91, in their third game of the first round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 82 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, September 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City. 

Alyssa Villamor led the team in scoring, tallying 16 points along with six rebounds. Hazelle Yam also had a noteworthy performance, finishing with 15 points, five rebounds, and a game-high three steals.

From the UST side, Grace Irebu had a dominating performance, erupting for 33 points and 13 rebounds. Reynalyn Ferrer also had a stellar game, putting up 13 points and 18 rebounds, 12 of which came from the offensive glass. 

The game started out close, with no team getting a two-point lead until the end of the first quarter when UST took a six-point lead. However, the Golden Tigresses struggled to create separation. The Lady Eagles kept the game within one possession behind a strong second quarter from Pam Payac and Katrina Guytingco. 

In the second half, the Golden Tigresses began to impose their will against Ateneo as they controlled the offensive glass, drew several fouls, and took away Ateneo’s offensive flow. 

The Golden Tigresses then carried their third quarter momentum to the fourth, steadily increasing their advantage until the final buzzer, eventually ending with the game’s largest lead at 22.

Irebu and Ferrer outrebounded the entire Ateneo team 31-30. Foul trouble was also an issue for the Blue and White: Guytingco, Zoe Chu, and Jhaz Joson all fouled out. The Tigresses made the most of their trips to the free throw line, making 28 of their 39 charities.

The loss put a blemish on Ateneo’s previously undefeated campaign, dropping to a 2-1 record in the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Basketball tournament. The win keeps UST perfect with a 3-0 win-loss slate. 

The Lady Eagles look to bounce back with Far Eastern University on Saturday, 10:00 AM, September 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City.

Quarter Scores:

Ateneo-UST: 22-25, 39-41, 57-67, 73-91

Box Score:

Ateneo (73): Villamor – 17, Yam – 15, Guytingco – 12, Moslares – 7, Payac – 7, Aquisap – 3, Cancio – 3, Chu – 3, Joson – 3, Newsome – 3, De Dios – 0, Miranda – 0, Villacruz – 0

UST (91): Irebu – 33, Rivera- 14, Ferrer – 13, Portillo – 9, Callangan – 6, Soriano – 5, Tacatac – 4, Gandalla – 3, Gonzales – 2, Panti – 2, Sangalang – 0