A VALIANT fourth quarter comeback was not enough for the Ateneo Blue Eagles (1-3) to orchestrate a come-from-behind win as they fell a point short, 68-69, to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) (3-1). The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) game was held earlier today at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in the City of Manila.
Veteran guard Sandra Villacruz led the Blue and White in the scoring department today with 16 points with five rebounds to boot. Additionally, Junize Calago had a near double-double output—producing 14 markers and nine boards.
For the Growling Tigresses, Agatha Bron was at the forefront of their offense today as she posted numbers of 15 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. Supporting her were Eka Soriano, Brigette Santos, and Rachel Ambos—all of whom chipped in 11 points each.
The Blue Eagles started off the game cold, as the España-based squad capitalized on Ateneo’s slow offense with a 9-0 run to end the first frame, 18-7. However, the Blue and White came punching back to keep them within striking distance—outscoring the Lady Tigresses in the second and third quarters.
Despite trailing by as much as seven points, 53-60, early in the final window of play, the Blue Eagles refused to back down on the hard court. Courtesy of three straight triples from LJ Miranda, Calago, and Jhazmin Joson, the Blue and White were able to tie up the game, 64-64.
[Fourth Quarter]
— Ethan M. Encarnacion (@Ethan_TheGUIDON) October 12, 2022
Soriano glides through the Blue Eagles for a contested lay. Miranda answers back with a three!
Ateneo 61 UST 64#UAAPBasketball
However, after a couple of traded baskets in the last quarter, the Growling Tigresses were able to connect on a three-pointer from the top of the key to put them up by one, 68-69.
It was an intense final minute for both squads as they struggled to make their free throws. Angelina Villasin failed to make three straight bonuses for the Growling Tigresses, while Calago missed both her free-throws in her final trip at the line, which resulted in keeping Ateneo behind at 68-69.
[Fourth Quarter]
— Ethan M. Encarnacion (@Ethan_TheGUIDON) October 12, 2022
Calago misses both free throws. She gets her own miss but turns the possession over. UST calls timeout.
Time remaining – 31.3 seconds.
Ateneo 68 UST 69#UAAPBasketball
Following Calago’s missed free throws, the Katipunan-based squad turned the ball over twice in the dying seconds of the game. This all but sealed the victory for the Growling Tigresses.
[Fourth Quarter]
— Ethan M. Encarnacion (@Ethan_TheGUIDON) October 12, 2022
Joson drives down the lane but is stripped.
Possession goes to UST.
Time remaining – 1 second.
Ateneo 68 UST 69#UAAPBasketball
The Blue and White will attempt to get back on track as they face the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons (2-1) on Sunday, October 16, 10:00 AM at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasig City.
Box Scores:
Ateneo (68): Villacruz – 16, Calago – 14, Miranda – 12 , Joson – 10 , Dela Rosa – 10 , Nieves – 3 , Makanjuola – 3
UST (69): Bron – 15, Soriano – 11, Santos – 11, Ambos – 11, Serrano – 8, Villasin – 5, Pangilinan – 5, Tacatac – 3
Quarter Scores:
Ateneo-UST: 7-18, 30-32, 46-52, 68-69.
