UE overpowers La Salle to end 5-year losing streak

University of the East smeared their campaign with historic feat on Sunday, September 22, after thrashing De La Salle University, 65-47, in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

UE’s victory ended a five-year streak of winning drought dating back on September 21, 2019, when they escaped University of the Philippines with a slim 68-66 win.

“We finally won. That’s what’s great with this rookie team, all my players are really new, so that’s our only goal, to bring back our UE culture,” longtime head coach Ai Lebornio said in Filipino.

“Since the first day I coached here in 2013, I think that’s what has been lost.”

Jearzy Ganade, who played her first season after a two-year hiatus from UAAP, paced the Lady Warriors with an all-around game of 15 points, six rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block. 

Aliyah Ronquillo helmed the offensive effort with 11 markers and eight dimes, while Rachel Lacayanga also notched a double-double performance with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

The Lady Warriors displayed a defensive effort as they sent the Lady Archers to its worst start since Season 80 to take a comfortable 49-32 lead heading into the final frame. 

Meanwhile, Luisa San Juan top scored for the Lady Archers with 14 markers and five boards, while Patricia Mendoza delivered 10 as La Salle stayed winless at 0-4.

The Scores:

UE (65) – Ganade 15, Lacayanga 13, Ronquillo 11, Vacalares 9, Ruiz 9, Yanez 5, Kone 3, Dalguntas 0, Buscar 0, Cruz 0, Lumibao 0.

DLSU (47) – San Juan 14, Mendoza 10, Camba 4, Sario 4, Sunga 4, Rodriguez 3, Santos 2, Dela Paz 2, Paraiso 2, Delos Reyes 2, Villava-Cua 0, Catalan 0, Bacierto 0.

Quarter Scores: 21-18, 37-26, 49-32, 65-47.