THE ATENEO Women’s Basketball Team (AWBT) suffered a tough loss to the University (DLSU) Lady Archers, 72-73, in their second-round encounter of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament. The game occurred earlier today, November 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
This loss leaves the Blue Eagles’ with a record of 8-6 at the end of eliminations, proceeding to the stepladder round.
Kacey Dela Rosa led the Blue and White with 22 points along with 13 rebounds, while Kai Oani tallied 13 points. Meanwhile, DLSU’s Kyla Go collected 32 points for the Lady Archers.
At the start of the game, the Blue Eagles were already unable to find their rhythm, granting early trips to the charity stripe for DLSU, 4-8. These easy chances were capitalized on by DLSU’s Paulina Anastacio and Go, leading to an early Blue and White timeout, 7-13.
Eager to bounce back, Oani quickly turned the tide through a 5-0 run after a three-ball in transition and a mid-range basket, leading to a timeout in response for DLSU, 13-13. With neither side refusing to give up an advantage, both teams traded baskets in a grit and grind back and forth, 22-22.
Closing out the first frame, Ateneo failed to maintain the tight scoreline as DLSU’s Go continued to attack in close during a 6-0 run, notching 19 points in just the first quarter for the Lady Archers, 23-30.
Looking to regain control of the matchup, the Blue Eagles came out firing after the break, tying the game off a Dela Rosa layup lob and a Malagar three in transition, 30-30.
Sensing the changing momentum, Kate Cancio attacked the basket, gaining a narrow lead 33-32. The lead was short-lived, however, as La Salle answered back with an Anastacio transition layup and a Steph Villapando three-pointer, 33-38.
In the proceeding minutes, DLSU continued to hammer down on Ateneo’s defense, converting in the paint and from three, 39-48. Refusing to back down, Dela Rosa battled back with second-chance points inside, ending the second with a narrow margin, 45-50.
To reclaim the lead in the second half, Dela Rosa converted consecutive points in the paint, 51-50. With the Lady Archers showcasing their offensive proficiency, Oani delivered a perimeter shot to force a 54-54 stalemate. Keeping the fight alive for the Blue Eagles, Cancio then sank a basket at 58-58.
Countering Lady Archer Go’s inside conversion, Malagar started Ateneo’s fourth frame with a downtown shot, gaining a two-point advantage, 62-60. As a slow game persisted, Oani broke the ice with a layup to go ahead by three. Sandra Villacruz then sustained the Blue and White’s drive, draining a bucket from the middle, 70-69. Despite the perseverance, the Blue Eagles were unable to protect possession, ultimately succumbing to Lady Archer Go’s crucial two-pointer, 72-73.
Vying for a finals ticket, the AWBT will go head-to-head against the Adamson University Lady Falcons on Sunday, November 30 in the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Box Scores:
Ateneo (72): Dela Rosa – 22, Oani – 13, Makanjuola – 9, Malagar – 8, Villacruz – 6, Cancio – 5, Batongbakal – 4, De Luna – 3, Lopez – 2
DLSU (73): Go – 32, Anastacio – 10, S. Dizon – 9, A. Dizon – 6, Villapando – 6, Sunga – 4, Mendoza – 4, Dela Paz – 2
Quarter scores: 23-30, 45-50, 59-60, 72-73
Current Standings (W-L)
- UST Growling Tigresses (14-0)*
- NU Lady Bulldogs (12-2)*
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (8-6)*
- AdU Lady Falcons (7-7)*
- FEU Lady Tamaraws (6-8)
- De La Salle Lady Archers (6-8)
- UP Fighting Maroons (3-1)
- UE Lady Warriors (0-14)
* – clinched Final Four berth
