Ateneo withstood La Salle’s late-game surge
Ateneo de Manila University narrowly escaped a late-game surge by archrival De La Salle University to triumph, 65-62, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament on Sunday, September 15, at Adamson Gym.
The Lady Blue Eagles built a commanding 47-29 lead early in the third quarter anchored from dominant performances of reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kacey Dela Rosa, Junize Calago, rookie Kai Oani, and Nigerian center Sarah Makanjuola.
Despite ruling the period with a comfortable 51-38 cushion, a game surge in the fourth quarter helmed by Luisa San Juan ignited a comeback for the Lady Archers.
“I think we started slow in the game and ended slower. We adjusted late and that was on us coaches. San Juan got into a flow,” said Ateneo assistant coach Bacon Austria, as head coach LA Mumar was unavailable after the game.
San Juan nearly squandered Ateneo’s advantage after firing four triples to start the fourth quarter and turn it into a three-point game, 62-59, with four minutes left.
Calago split her free throws padding Ateneo’s lead but Bea Dalisay responded with a three-pointer to bring the Lady Archers within one point with 31.5 seconds remaining. La Salle, however, couldn’t complete a comeback as Oani sank a pair of free throws, sealing the victory for Ateneo.
"It is a rivalry game, so it's big for us. A win against La Salle is a win against La Salle. It's a good test for us, but there's still so much to learn," added Austria.
Dela Rosa delivered another double-double of 24 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks to improve to a 2-1. Meanwhile, La Salle dropped to 0-3.
Calago and Oani tallied 13 and 10 markers, respectively, while Makanjuola contributed eight points and 12 boards.
San Juan, on the other hand, finished with a career-high 24 points, while graduating forward Bernice Paraiso scored 13 markers and seven rebounds in La Salle’s losing cause.
The Lady Blue Eagles’ feat arranged them a duel against Adamson Soaring Falcons on Saturday, September 21, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, while the Lady Archers will aim to clinch their first win when they take on the University of the East Lady Warriors on Sunday, September 22, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
THE SCORES:
Ateneo 65 - Dela Rosa 24, Calago 13, Oani 10, Makanjuila 8, Villacruz 7, Batongbakal 3, Eufemiano 0, Nieves 0, Angala 0, Aquirre 0, Cancio 0, Cruza 0.
DLSU 62 - San Juan 24, Paraiso 13, Dalisay 6, Santos 5, Sario 5, Dela Paz 4, Sunga 4, Delos Reyes 1, Camba 0, Mendoza 0, Rodriguez 0, Baciento 0.
Quarterscores: 17-14, 37-29, 51-38, 65-62.
