THE ATENEO Women’s Basketball Team (AWBT) falters against the defending champions National University Lady Bulldogs (NU), 57-77, earlier today at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.

This loss gives the Blue Eagles a record of 0-1 to begin the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 Women’s Basketball Tournament.

Starting center Sarah Makanjoula led the Blue Eagles with a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double. AWBT guard Seng Calago helped shoulder the offensive load by scoring 11 points and 7 rebounds.

The Blue Eagles opened the first quarter slowly, putting themselves in early foul trouble to begin the game. As a result, NU was able to build up a consistent lead through the charity stripe. In addition, the defending champions were able to contain Ateneo standout Jhazmin Joson with consistent double teams. Despite their offensive and defensive woes, Calago provided the necessary energy to cut the NU lead to six by the end of the quarter, 13-19.

Turnovers and fouls persisted for the Blue and White in the second quarter. Ateneo’s scoring problems carried over as well, remaining scoreless in the quarter until the seven-minute mark. NU took advantage of these errors, extending their lead to a commanding 12 points during the latter stages of the second frame. Despite the double-digit lead, AWBT veterans Makanjoula and Sandra Villacruz were able to pacify the Bulldogs’ offense. Due to the Blue Eagles’ inability to go on a scoring run late in the quarter, they closed the first half facing a huge deficit, 25-36.

The AWBT was still unable to find momentum on both ends of the floor at the onset of the second half, as NU found free reign from the three-point line, expanding the Bulldogs’ lead to 18 points. The Blue Eagles’ problems were aggravated after standout big Kacey Dela Rosa fouled out in the middle of the quarter. Being unable to contain NU’s three-point barrage prevented the Katipunan-based team to end the quarter on a high note, 41-58.

The NU lead amplified as the final quarter rolled out. Due to their newfound rhythm from the perimeter, the collegiate basketball powerhouse was able to expand the game’s biggest lead to 25 points. With Dela Rosa out, the AWBT was unable to find a rhythm that would cut the commanding double-digit lead, ending the Blue and White’s first game with a 57-77 loss.

The Blue Eagles look to recover from this defeat as they go against the De La Salle University Lady Archers on Wednesday, October 4, 11:00 AM at the Adamson Gym in the City of Manila.

Box Score:

Ateneo (57): Makanjoula – 13, Calago – 11, Dela Rosa – 7, Joson – 5, Villacruz – 5, Solis – 5, Cancio – 5, Eufemiano – 2, Mataga – 2, Angala – 1, Fetalvero – 1

NU (77): Pingol – 11, Clarin – 11, Canuto – 9, Surada – 8, Fabruada – 7, Talas – 6, Bartolo – 5, Cayabyab – 5, Konateh – 5, Solis – 4, Bet anio – 2, Ico – 2, Magbanua – 2