Ateneo completes postseason cast in women's basketball

c/o UAAP

Games on Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

8 a.m. -  FEU-D vs ADU (JHS)

10 a.m. - ADU vs NU (Women)

12 p.m. - DLSU vs UP (Women) 

2 p.m. -  ADU vs NU (Men)

6:30 p.m. -  DLSU vs UP (Men)

ATENEO de Manila University completed the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four cast after eliminating Far Eastern University, 85-70, on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

With their third consecutive victory, the Blue Eagles improved their win-loss record to 7-5, extinguishing the Final Four hopes of the DLSU Lady Archers, the UP Fighting Maroons, and the Lady Tamaraws.

This victory also marked Ateneo’s third straight Final Four appearance, dating back to Season 85.

The win kept the Blue Eagles in the hunt for the third seed. They remain just 1.5 games behind the Adamson Lady Falcons, who are 8-3.

“Our girls are competitive enough. We want to build momentum heading into the Final Four. Hindi mo naman masasabi pa if Final Four or stepladder, but we just want to stay ready to any scenario,” Ateneo head coach La Mumar said.

Reigning MVP Kacey Dela Rosa and rookie Kai Oani were pivotal in Ateneo’s 20-8 second-quarter run, combining for 15 points to push the Blue Eagles to a comfortable 14-point lead, 37-23, as the first half drew to a close.

Ateneo continued to dominate in the second half. An inside basket by Dela Rosa and a three-pointer from Oani extended the Blue Eagles’ lead to 16 points, 62-46, heading into the final period.

Consecutive three-pointers by Yunika Angala and Aly Eufemiano in the fourth quarter gave Ateneo a game-high 27-point advantage, 83-56, sealing their seventh win in 12 outings. The Blue Eagles replicated their 69-53 first-round victory over the Lady Tamaraws on September 29.

“That will be the theme of our season. Our twin towers have been very consistent so it’s a lot of the guards, wings, and our backup bigs, we need everyone to step up and do their role. They need to be a star in their role,” Mumar added. 

Dela Rosa tallied her 12th consecutive double-double with 24 points and 18 rebounds to go along with three assists, two blocks, and one steal, while Nigerian center Sarah Makanjoula also shined with 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting with 11 rebounds and one block. 

Oani ended the day with 14 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal, while Junize Calago had another all-around outing with eight points, seven rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block. 

Looking ahead, Ateneo will aim to make a push for the third seed when they face a struggling University of the East side on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Filoil EcoOil Center.

Shane Salvani paced the Lady Tamaraws in the losing effort with a game-high 29 points, seven steals, six rebounds, and six assists, while EJ Lopez chipped in 10 points, two rebounds, and one assist.

MJ Manguiat was limited to nine points on 3-of-10 shooting but still contributed four rebounds and four assists, while Yvette Villanueva chipped in seven points, six rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. 

Meanwhile, FEU will look to finish its Season 87 campaign on a positive note, beginning with a matchup against the University of the Philippines on the same date and venue.

The Scores:

Ateneo (85) – Dela Rosa 24, Makanjoula 21, Oani 14, Calago 8, Eufemiano 7, Angala 6, Cancio 2, Aguirre 2, Batongbakal 1, Villacruz 0, Cruza 0, Olivenza 0, Fetalvero 0.

FEU (70) – Salvani 29, Lopez 10, Manguiat 9, Villanueva 7, Pasilang 6, Gavaran 3, Nagma 2, Ong 2, Paras 2, Dela Torre 0.

Quarterscores: 17-14, 37-27, 62-46, 85-70