ATENEO de Manila University cruised past the University of the East, 73-56, in a victory that could revive its Final Four bid in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The Blue Eagles snapped their two-game losing streak to cap off a challenging first-round campaign on a high note, improving to 3-4 and remaining in sixth place in the standings.
‘During the halftime, I discussed with girls their discipline on one-on-one defense, evidently which didn’t show in the first half,’ Ateneo head coach PJ Navarro said. ‘So in the second half, we just made it tough for them to blow by us.’
As the second round begins on Wednesday, Seng Calago remains optimistic about the Blue Eagles’ chances of extending their Final Four streak to five consecutive seasons.
‘We need to lock in and go 100 percent each time,’ Calago said.
Although UE got off to a strong start and built a seven-point lead in the second quarter, Ateneo regained control behind Kacey Dela Rosa to take a 37-34 advantage at halftime.
Dela Rosa continued her dominant performance after the break, building on her double-double to help the Blue Eagles establish a double-digit lead heading into the final quarter.
With the early scare behind them, Ateneo’s shooters heated up in the fourth quarter, allowing the Blue Eagles to stretch their lead to 20 points with less than four minutes remaining.
The Lady Warriors managed just 10 points in the final frame.
The dynamic duo of Dela Rosa and Calago led the charge, with both seniors recording double-doubles.
Dela Rosa finished with 23 points, 18 rebounds and five assists, while Calago tallied 22 points, 15 rebounds and five assists.
Hannah Lopez also made a significant contribution with 12 points and three rebounds.
UE, meanwhile, suffered its seventh loss of the season and 31st consecutive defeat dating back to Season 87.
Kezza Buscar paced the Lady Warriors with 18 points, while Moana Vacalares added 15 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.