Ateneo cruises past undermanned FEU, holds on to fourth spot
Ateneo de Manila University took advantage of shorthanded Far Eastern University, trampling the latter team, 69-53, to stay in the top four of the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament on Sunday, September 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Reigning UAAP Season 86 MVP Kacey Dela Rosa paced the Blue Eagles, delivering 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Nigerian student-athlete Sarah Makanjuola registered 17 markers and 17 boards.
FEU was able to control the game by as many as 16 points before a 10-4 run in the final quarter.
The pressured Blue Eagles, however, quickly found its rhythm once again by supplying a crucial three-pointer courtesy of Gracie Batongbakal, a layup from Makanjuola, and a technical free throw by Kani Oani prompting Ateneo’s lead to 22 points, with less than 2:30 remaining on the clock.
“We’re looking for some consistency, and I expected us to be a little bit rocky in the first round,” said Blue Eagles head coach LA Mumar.
“It’s a big adjustment for all of us, but I think our girls are responding well. We’re an inside-out team and we feel that we can really build the team around these two girls (Dela Rosa and Makanjuola). We are gonna roll with that identity.”
Raiza Palmera-Dy’s team dropped to a 1-5 record as the Lady Tamaraws were playing without sidelined Congolese student-athlete Josee Kaputu, due to an ACL tear in her left knee, and Shane Salvani, who was serving a one-game suspension following a disqualifying foul committed prior to their game with De La Salle University.
Yvette Villanueva stepped up for the nine-woman team with 18 points and nine rebounds, while MJ Manguiat struggled to find her form, limiting her performance to only 10 in the losing cause.
Ateneo will strive to continue its winning ways as they battle against University of the East on Wednesday, October 2, at the same venue in Cubao.
FEU, on the other hand, will attempt to bounce back when they face UAAP Season 86 reigning champion University of Santo Tomas on Saturday, October 5, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
Ateneo (69) – Dela Rosa 20, Makanjoula 17, Batongbakal 9, Calago 9, Villacruz 4, Oani 4, Cruza 3, Cancio 2, Fetalvero 1, Angala 0, Lopez 0, Eufemiano 0, Olivenza 0, Nieves 0, Salgado 0, Aquirre 0.
FEU (53) – Villanueva 18, Manguiat 10, Libor 8, Pasilang 5, Lopez 5, Ong 4, Dela Torre 3, Paras 0, Nagma 0, Gavaran 0.
Quarter Scores: 18-7, 28-19, 48-34, 69-53
