Kacey dela Rosa powers Ateneo past UP to secure Final Four spot
Ateneo de Manila University leaned on the brilliant performance of Kacey dela Rosa in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament to cruise past University of the Philippines, 75-66, on Wednesday, October 30, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The reigning Most Valuable Player almost tallied a 20-20 outing with 28 points and 19 rebounds to go along with five blocks, two assists, and two steals.
The Blue Eagles also improved their record to 6-5 in the tournament, securing them the No. 4 spot in the league standings.
“A win is a win. We try to focus on what we can control. For us, the target is to win three of the last four, and we got two wins now. Hopefully, we can start getting a little bit of momentum,” Ateneo head coach LA Mumar said. “We were terrible today; I’m happy with the win, don’t get me wrong, but hopefully we can polish some things moving forward.”
Kaye Pesquera gave UP a fleeting 48-47 lead in the fourth frame before Ateneo unleashed a pivotal 16-3 run that put them ahead, 63-51, with 6:25 left on the clock.
The Fighting Maroons narrowed the gap as they cut the deficit to three, 60-63, courtesy of Pesquera and Louna Ozar’s three-pointer, and a layup from Alexandra Mendoza, but the Blue Eagles quickly found their rhythm, pushing their lead to 71-60 after sinking eight unanswered baskets.
“We’re very fortunate to win the game. A win is a win. You have to credit UP, they came up with a great game plan against us. They really prepared for us. They really triggered our weaknesses, so we have to learn from this,” Mumar added.
Junize Calago finished with 14 markers, four boards, four assists, and one deflection, while Kai Oani contributed nine points, six assists, and two rebounds.
Gracie Batongbakal and Sarah Makanjoula tallied eight points apiece for the Blue Eagles.
Ateneo will attempt to record its third straight victory against Far Eastern University on Saturday, November 9, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
Ateneo 75 – Dela Rosa 28, Calago 14, Oani 9, Batongbakal 8, Makanjoula 8, Villacruz 8, Villacruz 3, Cancio 3, Aquirre 2, Eufemiano 0, Angala 0, Cruza 0.
UP 66 – Pesquera 17, Ozar 16, Tapawan 10, Bariquit 8, Maw 6, Mendoza 5, Sauz 2, Vingno 2, Nolasco 0, Lozada 0, Jimenez 0, Solitario 0.
Quarter Scores: 20-14, 32-31, 47-46, 75-66.
