THE ATENEO Women’s Basketball Team (AWBT) concluded the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 elimination round on a low as they faltered to the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 57-84. The game was held earlier today at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion in the City of Manila.
The Blue and White’s record dropped to 7-7 as a result of their tough loss to the Fighting Maroons, however, this has no bearing since Ateneo has already secured their place in the Final Four.
Rookie stalwart Kacey Dela Rosa paced the Blue Eagles today as she put up 17 points to go along with five boards and two blocks. Veteran guard Sandra Villacruz aided the center as she posted nine points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals in today’s game.
On the UP side, Christie Bariquit ended her season strong as she tallied 20 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three rebounds. Following suit was Maian Domingo who put up an all-around performance of 16 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
The first frame of the match saw a trade of baskets between both teams. With early runs to the rim by Dela Rosa and Villacruz, the Blue Eagles were able to stay afloat by a slim margin, 7-2. Although the Fighting Maroons answered back with steals and offensive baskets of their own, the Blue and White maintained their composure and trimmed the lead down to three, 14-17.
[FIRST QUARTER]
— Eury See (@Eury_TheGUIDON) November 26, 2022
Joson drops the dime for a Eufemiano three-pointer!
Ateneo 14 UP 15#UAAPBasketball pic.twitter.com/DGvFMytGeX
Despite their efforts in the latter part of the first canto, the next quarter proved to be a challenge for Ateneo as they struggled to get past the Fighting Maroons’ defense. As their opponents were picking up the pace with back-to-back baskets, the Blue Eagles were unable to regain their momentum on offense. UP’s sustained scoring runs from beyond the arc continued to disrupt the Blue and White’s defensive gambits closed off the first half in UP’s favor, 34-25.
By the beginning of the third frame, the Fighting Maroons’ offensive drives overwhelmed the Blue Eagles, which led to a nine-point deficit between the two teams, 27-36. Although UP continued to dominate the second half with wide-open baskets, Jhazmin Joson’s valiant efforts helped counter the Fighting Maroons’ offensive flurries, 38-55. Despite the squad’s attempts to take the lead, Ateneo still fell short in the third quarter as they were on the short end of a massive 18-point disadvantage, 41-59.
[THIRD QUARTER]
— Eury See (@Eury_TheGUIDON) November 26, 2022
Dela Rosa is fouled on her way to the basket as she then splits her charities.
The third quarter comes to an end with Ateneo placed at an 18-point disadvantage.
Ateneo 41 UP 59#UAAPBasketball
The fourth quarter commenced with another two-pointer from the Fighting Maroons that widened the scoring gap between both teams, 41-61. As rushed offensive shots and passing errors continued to paint Ateneo’s performance, UP was able to capitalize on the Blue Eagles’ tough outing and blitzed the Final Four-bound Blue Eagles, 57-84.
The AWBT (#4) will have their hands full as they face the National University Lady Bulldogs (#1) in the incoming Final Four playoffs. To proceed to the finals, the Katipunan-based squad needs to beat the defending champions Lady Bulldogs two consecutive times.
Box Scores:
Ateneo (57): Dela Rosa – 17, Villacruz – 9 , Calago – 8, Joson – 7 , Miranda – 4, Nieves – 4, Fetalvero – 3, Eufemiano – 3, Angala – 2
UP (84): Bariquit – 20, Domingo – 16, Sanchez – 13, Pesquera – 6, Maw – 6, Rivera – 6, Tapawan – 4, Larrosa – 4, Lebico – 4, Gonzales – 2, Vingno – 2, Lozada – 2
Quarter Scores:
Ateneo-UP: 14-17, 25-34, 41-59, 57-84.
