THE ATENEO Blue Eagles’ second-round woes continue as they bowed to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses in a tough road assignment, 73-77. The matchup took place earlier today at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in the City of Manila.
This loss places the Blue Eagles at a 4-5 win-loss record as they continue to cling on to the fourth seed despite their recent slump.
Seng Calago and Kacey Dela Rosa emerged as the leading scorers of the game, both scoring 23 points each. Sarah Makanjuola also pitched in 14 points for the Blue and White.
Facing a virtual homecourt disadvantage, the Blue Eagles were tested early on, falling to a 0-7 deficit as the defending champions showed off their prowess from the get-go. Seeking retribution, Ateneo managed to finally get on the board after Makanjuola made two much-needed baskets in the paint, 4-9.
Foul trouble later befallen the Black and Gold, which the Blue and White took advantage by scaling up their offensive aggression. The tides then turned in Ateneo’s favor after floor general Calago sank a long-range three to put the Eagles in the driver’s seat, 18-17.
Gracie Batongbakal’s entry helped further increase Ateneo’s advantage. Doubling down on offense, the guard connected on transition baskets and easy lay-ups to increase the Blue and White’s lead to five at the end of the first period, 26-21.
Kicking off the second canto, the Blue Eagles were able to hold the fort on both ends, forcing many turnovers and continuing to draw fouls for opportunities at the charity stripe.
Looking to reignite the UST crowd, Tacky Tacatac and Brigette Santos came out guns blazing to cut Ateneo’s deficit. Scoring 14 out of UST’s 22 points that quarter, the España duo went on a hot streak to put the Growling Tigresses back in front, 35-32.
Dela Rosa quickly responded and flexed her strength inside the paint, converting on an and-one play for a 35-all deadlock. However, UST ended the period with a momentum-shifting 8-2 run, capped by an inside basket courtesy of Agatha Bron, 43-37.
Eager to close the deficit in the second half, the Blue and White emerged with their dominating presence in the glass to draw a lead-taking 9-0 run, 46-45. Determined to regain control for the home team, Tacatac prolifically manned the Growling Tigresses’ offense, followed by conversions by Karylle Sierba and Kent Pastrana, to extend UST’s lead to five at the end of the third, 62-57.
Entering the final frame, Dela Rosa came into Ateneo’s service with quick saves to keep within striking distance, 55-68. However, the Blue Eagles fell victim to Pastrana’s commanding floor presence after the UST star unleashed a flurry of buckets to her name, 57-68.
Despite efforts from Makanjuola and Calago to stop the bleeding for Ateneo, Chille Serrano continued to respond for the España-based squad to keep their lead in double-digits, 72-61. Refusing to leave without a fight, Calago’s late-game theatrics sparked tension on the court, cutting the Growling Tigresses’ cushion to two possessions, 69-74.
Further trimming UST’s advantage, Makanjuola dropped a crucial jumper to leave the door open for Ateneo, followed by Dela Rosa nailing two pressure-filled free throws to make it a 73-76 ballgame with 11 seconds left.
With stakes on the line, Golden Tigress Angelika Soriano managed to split her foul shots, which ultimately spoiled the Blue Eagles’ comeback effort in a tough environment against the reigning champions, 73-77.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles’ next assignment will be the De La Salle University Lady Archers next Saturday, October 26, at 12:00 PM at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Box scores:
Ateneo (73): Calago – 23, Dela Rosa – 23, Makanjuola – 14, Batongbakal – 6, Oani – 5, Villacruz – 2, Angala – 0, Eufemiano – 0, Cruza – 0, Canci0 – 0
UST (77): Pastrana – 16, Santos – 15, Tacatac – 12, Sierba – 11, Bron – 11, Maglupay – 5, Soriano – 3, Serrano – 2, Ambos – 2, Danganan – 0, Amatong – 0, Relliquette – 0
Quarter scores:
Ateneo-UST: 26-21, 37-43, 57-62, 73-77
Current Standings (W-L):
- NU Lady Bulldogs (8-0)
- UST Growling Tigresses (8-1)
- AdU Lady Falcons (5-3)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (4-5)
- UP Fighting Maroons (3-5)
- DLSU Lady Archers (2-6)
- FEU Lady Tamaraws (2-6)
- UE Lady Warriors (1-7)
