AFTER A relentless shooting display from start to finish, the Ateneo Blue Eagles cruised past the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors, 21–8. The win books them a spot in the Final Four of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 Women’s 3×3 Basketball Tournament. The match took place earlier today, May 1, at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in the City of Parañaque. 

This victory puts the Blue and White at a 4-2 slate, placing them at third in the standings.

Kacey Dela Rosa led the charge for the Blue Eagles, scoring six points in the contest, while Hannah Lopez notched six markers of her own, all from rainbow territory.

Season 87 Most Valuable Player Dela Rosa dominated the paint early in the game, outmuscling UE’s Lira Ramos in the post to give Ateneo the lead, 3-1. However, Lady Warrior Clarence Oñate answered back with an and-one drive, tying the game, 3-3,

With the match on a standstill, Dela Rosa continued to attack the lane to give Ateneo a one-point cushion, 4-3. The Blue Eagles then caught fire, as Erica De Luna drained a triple and Kai Oani sank a pull-up jumper from 15 feet out, 7-3. The offensive barrage continued as Lopez drained a two-pointer to put Ateneo at a six-point advantage, 9-3.

The Katipunan-based squad was then riddled with turnovers midway through the game, giving up two quick points, 9-5. However, the Blue Eagles went on a 4-1 rampage as De Luna and Dela Rosa managed to score within the paint, 13-6. With the game firmly under their control, the duo of Lopez and Oani found their rhythm from deep, drilling two triples each to seal Ateneo’s 21–8 victory.

After clinching a spot in the Final Four, the Blue Eagles look to carry over their momentum as they wrap up their elimination round campaign against the FEU Lady Tamaraws tomorrow, May 2, at 1:20 PM, at the same venue.

Box Scores:

Ateneo (21): Dela Rosa – 6, H. Lopez – 6, Oani – 5, De Luna – 4

UE (8):  Oñate – 3, Buscar – 2, Ramos – 2, Vacalares – 1

Women’s Current Standings (W-L):

1. UST Growling Tigresses (7-0)*
2. FEU Lady Tamaraws (5-1)*
3. ATENEO Blue Eagles (4-2) *
4. AdU Lady Falcons  (3-3)*
5. DLSU Lady Archers (2-4)
6. UP Fighting Maroons (2-4) 
7. NU Lady Bulldogs (1-5) 
8. UE Lady Warriors (1-5) 

* – clinched Final Four