THE ATENEO Blue Eagles unleashed their dominant rule over Katipunan counterpart University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 79-68, in their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 opener. The game was held earlier today at the Adamson University Gym in the City of Manila.
In an assertive fashion, reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player Kacey Dela Rosa pioneered the Blue and White rally with her career-high of 34 points, to go along with 11 boards and three blocks. Sarah Makanjuola and Aly Eufemiano also contributed double-digit scoring outputs with 13 and 12 points, respectively.
The season kicked off with Makanjuola drawing first blood for the Blue Eagles, paving way for a fierce early quarter shootout between the Katipunan rivals. Dela Rosa also made her superstar presence felt from the get-go, handing the Blue Eagles an early 8-6 edge.
Despite the Fighting Maroons’ effort to show off their scrappy defense, highly-touted rookie Kai Oani introduced herself to the UAAP with a basket from downtown to reclaim the upper hand, 18-17. Toward the end of the opening quarter, Eufemiano became a loud presence for the Blue and White, singlehandedly contributing nine straight points to wrap up the frame on a high, 29-22.
Keeping up their flow in the second quarter, the girls in blue dominated the glass to persistently extend the lead, 40-31. Makanjuola particularly continued to build on her solid showing in the half, elevating the Blue Eagles to a double-digit advantage with five minutes left in the second canto, 44-34.
Withstanding the power struggle against the Fighting Maroons, the Blue and White maintained their cushion with a 47-38 command at the two-minute mark. Gracie Batongbakal further displayed Ateneo’s expertise in offensive rebounding after putting back her own miss to cap the first half at 49-39.
Not letting their guard down, the Blue Eagles kept the command on Loyola’s side after exhibiting textbook glasswork as continued from the first half. Dela Rosa proved to be the master of her craft, taking control of the court with consecutive baskets, 61-46.
As the play slowed down due to an offensive struggle between the two teams, Makanjuola ended the scoring drought with a quick basket for the Blue and White in the last 55 seconds of the third. Still on top of her game, Dela Rosa ended the quarter with a two-pointer to extend Ateneo’s margin, 65-49.
Starting off the final quarter firmly in the driver’s seat, Makanjuola dropped back-to-back baskets for a 17-point Ateneo lead, 69-52. Down the stretch of the fourth, Dela Rosa continued to take the reins in her dominant showing as she helped keep the Blue Eagles comfortably ahead, 79-65. Despite UP’s efforts to narrow the gap, the Blue and White came out on top of the Katipunan matchup, 79-68.
Eager to further assert dominance in the court, the Blue Eagles will face the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses on Wednesday, September 11, at 1:30 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Box scores:
Ateneo (79): Dela Rosa – 34, Makanjuola – 13, Eufemiano – 12, Oani – 8, Calago – 6, Villacruz – 4, Batongbakal – 2, Cancio – 0, Cruza – 0, Angala – 0
UP (68): Maw – 23, Pesquera – 17, Ozar – 16, Tapawan – 4, Nolasco – 3, Bariquit – 2, Mendoza – 2, Barba – 1, Lozada – 0, Solitario – 0, Vingno – 0, Quinquinio – 0, Jimenez – 0, Sauz – 0
Quarter scores:
Ateneo-UP: 29-22, 49-39, 65-49, 79-68
Current Standings (W-L):
- UST Growling Tigresses (1-0)
- AdU Lady Falcons (1-0)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (1-0)
- DLSU Lady Archers (0-0)
- NU Lady Bulldogs (0-0)
- UP Fighting Maroons (0-1)
- FEU Lady Tamaraws (0-1)
- UE Lady Warriors (0-1)
