THE ATENEO Blue Eagles (5-5) lose a tightly contested matchup versus arch rivals De La Salle University Lady Archers (8-2), 55-56, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 Women’s Basketball Tournament. The game was held earlier today at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion in the City of Manila.
Center Kacey Dela Rosa continues to impress in her rookie season as she puts up 13 points, 18 rebounds, and five blocks in her match against DLSU. Meanwhile, veteran guard Jhazmin Joson stuffed the statistics sheets with 11 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and four steals.
On the other hand, it was Lee Sario who led the Lady Archers today with a double-double–16 points and 11 rebounds, including three steals. Charmaine Torres and Joehanna Arciga also contributed 11 points apiece.
The beginning of the bout marked an impressive start for the Blue Eagles as they demonstrated their remarkable tactics and plays on the court. Early runs to the rim from rookie Dela Rosa and team captain Joson gave the team an early lead, 17-15.
However, the next frame of the match proved to be a challenge for Ateneo as the Taft-based squad caught up almost immediately. Maneuvering with heightened defensive strategies and offensive baskets, the Lady Archers then took the lead at 32-30 by the end of the quarter.
[SECOND QUARTER]
— Eury See (@Eury_TheGUIDON) November 6, 2022
Another Torres basket courtesy of Sario.
Ateneo 30 DLSU 32#UAAPBasketball pic.twitter.com/Ln3zefWuhM
Despite this, the second half of the bout gave both teams a difficult start as forced shots and rushed offensive possessions were made. Ateneo’s foul trouble and minor slip-ups also caused the team to lag behind their opponents, 42-49.
Eventually, the Blue and White were able to stand up to the Lady Archers once again and turn the tides around in the final quarter, 53-51. Despite the slim two-point margin, the Blue Eagles were able to harvest point after point, giving them a comfortable lead against the Lady Archers.
[FOURTH QUARTER]
— Eury See (@Eury_TheGUIDON) November 6, 2022
Joson gives Ateneo the lead with a shot from way dowtown!
Ateneo 53 DLSU 51#UAAPBasketball pic.twitter.com/Sw2i9i9GjI
However, the team’s gallant efforts fell short after the Lady Archers regained their footing in the final seconds of the quarter. After a successful shot from the arc and a final basket from their opponents, the Blue Eagles succumbed to their second consecutive loss this season, 55-56.
[FOURTH QUARTER]
— Eury See (@Eury_TheGUIDON) November 6, 2022
Ahmed gives the Lady Archers the lead with a smooth layup.
Ateneo 55 DLSU 56#UAAPBasketball
The Blue and White look to regain momentum as they come up against the struggling University of the East Lady Red Warriors (0-10) on Wednesday, November 9 at 3:00 PM at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City.
Box Scores:
Ateneo (55): Dela Rosa – 13, Makanjuola – 12 , Joson – 11, Nieves – 8 , Cruza – 3, Calago – 3, Miranda – 3, Villacruz – 2
DLSU (56): Sario – 16, Torres – 11, Arciga – 11, De La Paz – 8, Tchuido – 6, Jimenez – 2, Binaohan – 1, Camba – 1
Quarter Scores:
Ateneo-AdU: 17-18, 31-36, 42-46, 55-56
