Kacey dela Rosa pounces for Ateneo' over UP

c/o UAAP

Reigning Most Valuable Player Kacey Dela Rosa led Ateneo de Manila University in their opening game of the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Basketball Tournament, scoring 34 points and lifting the Blue Eagles to a 79-68 victory over the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons on Sunday at Adamson Gym in Manila.

Dela Rosa, the 20-year-old center who recently competed with Gilas Women in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Prequalifying Tournament in Rwanda, went 15-of-23 from the field and added 11 rebounds and three blocks.

“Everybody knows Kacey is the main player of our team but it’s not just her points but also her leadership. She has to make her teammates better,” said Ateneo head coach LA Mumar about her star center.

“Siyempre mahirap maging ate but I have to be a leader for this team,” Dela Rosa added.

The Blue Eagles dominated the game, exploiting the Fighting Maroons’ weakened frontline, which was missing Favour Onoh for the season due to a knee injury sustained during a preseason meet.

Ateneo out-rebounded UP 59-29 and scored 21 second-chance points compared to just two for their opponents. Additionally, most of the Blue Eagles’ points came from inside the paint.

“We feel bad for Coach Paul (Ramos) for losing a key piece. But kami kasi, we are just focusing on our team and how we can improve,” said Mumar.

Dela Rosa had already scored 16 points by halftime, helping Ateneo secure a 49-39 lead. The advantage grew to as much as 17 points, 63-46, towards the end of the third quarter.

Sarah Makanjuola, a third-year big from Nigeria, supported Dela Rosa with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Aly Eufemiano added 12 points and five rebounds, while Junize Calago contributed six points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.

“I was a bit concerned at first because we have a lot of rookies. Pero the veterans delivered for us. Nandito sila Kacey at sila Sarah. Hopefully, this is a good initiation for the rookies,” Mumar said as Ateneo prepares to face University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday.

Achrissa Maw led UP with 23 points, while Kaye Pesquera and Louna Ozar added 17 and 16 points, respectively.

UP will next face University of the East on Saturday.

The Scores:

Ateneo 79 - Dela Rosa 34, Makanjuola 13, Eufemiano 12, Oani 8, Calago 6, Villacruz 4, Batongbakal 2, Cancio 0, Cruza 0, Angala 0.

UP 68 - Maw 23, Pesquera 17, Ozar 16, Tapawan 4, Nolasco 3, Bariquit 2, Mendoza 2, Barba 1, Lozada 0, Solitario 0, Vingno 0, Quinquinio 0, Jimenez 0, Sauz 0.

Quarterscores: 29-22, 49-39, 65-49, 79-68