THE ATENEO Lady Eagles defeated the University of Sto. Tomas Lady Tigresses, 65-57, in their first game of UAAP Season 79 held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

The win brings the Lady Eagles’ record to 1-0 in the first round of the Women’s Basketball tournament of UAAP Season 79.

Despit a tightly contested first quarter, the Lady Eagles capitalized on an 11-0 run to end the 1st half to pull away from the Espana-based squad.

At the half, Ateneo lead 38-28.

As the 2nd half was getting underway, a power outage suddenly struck the Smart Araneta Coliseum at 8:13 of the 3rd period causing the game to be stopped for 20 minutes.

Despite the disruption and being in the penalty for most of the 3rd, the Lady Eagles were able to maintain their lead heading into the 4th period. Although UST tried to rally back through their crucial baskets by Akiko Tomita, Nicole Cancio, and Katrina Guytingco helped Ateneo see their first win of the season.

Leading the balanced attack, Guytingco finished the game with 12 points and 10 rebounds while Jonette Uy De Ong also had 12 points including 2 triples and 3 steals.

Turnovers were also aplenty in this match as Ateneo finished with 33 turnovers whilst UST finished with 36.

Their next game will be against National University on Sunday, September 11 at 10am in the Smart Araneta Coliseum

Box Score:

Ateneo: Guytingco-12, Uy De Ong- 12, Tomita-9, Deacon- 9, Yam- 8, Cancio-8, Villamor-4, Go-3

UST: Penaflor-16, Anies- 15, Felisarta-8, Portillo-7, Angeles-4, Gandalla-3, Larosa-2, Jerez-2