Ateneo center Kacey Dela Rosa in action against FEU in the UAAP Season 88 women's basketball tournament, October 29, 2025 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP Media
MANILA -- Kacey Dela Rosa delivered a dominant performance to lift Ateneo de Manila University to a wire-to-wire 82-70 win against Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 88 women's basketball tournament, Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The reigning two-time Most Valuable Player put up 21 points, 23 rebounds, three blocks, three assists, and one steal as the Blue Eagles strengthened their hold on third place in the league standings.
Ateneo also regained its winning ways after a 69-47 loss to defending champion National University in its previous assignment, with Dela Rosa making sure that they would fend off the Lady Tamaraws' last-ditch rally.
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The Blue Eagles are now at 6-3, two games ahead of FEU (4-5).
"For us, a win is a win. There is some growth that needs to happen sa team namin, pero we played well. Nagkaroon kami ng konting puhunan. It was not the best ending, but I'll take the win anytime," said Blue Eagles head coach LA Mumar.
FEU tried to mount a comeback behind a Victoria Pasilang triple and an Amyah Espanol floater that trimmed the lead to 53-37, but Ateneo quickly countered with 10 straight points — highlighted by an Erica de Luna layup and a Kailah Oani three-pointer — to build a commanding 26-point, 63-37 lead.
Ateneo's steady play through the first three quarters proved crucial as it held off FEU's fiery fourth-quarter rally.
The trio of Espanol, MJ Manguiat, and Shem Abatayo sparked a 20-2 blitz, with Abatayo knocking down two triples and a layup to cut the deficit to just seven points, 77-70, with 39.5 seconds left.
However, time was not on FEU's side as two free throws by Oani and an and-one play by Dela Rosa sealed the win — Ateneo's sixth in nine outings.
Mika Malagar contributed 13 points, 10 of which came in the first half, alongside five assists, four rebounds, three steals, and a block. Oani added 11 points on 3-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc, plus four assists and two boards.
Meanwhile, Kate Cancio, Erica de Luna, and returning Nigerian center Sarah Makanjoula — who sat out Ateneo's loss to NU due to suspension — chipped in 10 points apiece in the victory.
Ateneo will aim to sustain its momentum when it faces the winless University of the East Lady Warriors on Wednesday, November 5, still at the MOA Arena.
On the other hand, Abatayo paced FEU with 17 points, 15 rebounds, six assists, and one steal, while Espanol also tallied 17 points along with five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Manguiat added 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Yvette Villanueva — who erupted for 23 points against the University of the Philippines — was limited to just five points on 2-of-5 shooting.
The Lady Tamaraws will try to get back on track against the Adamson University Lady Falcons on Sunday, November 2, at the same bayside venue.
The Scores:
Ateneo (82) – Dela Rosa 21, Malagar 13, Oani 11, De Luna 10, Cancio 10, Makanjoula 10, Batongbakal 4, H. Lopez 3, Villacruz 0, Cruza 0, Olivenza 0.
FEU (70) – Abatayo 17, Espanol 17, Manguiat 13, Pasilang 7, Nagma 6, Villanueva 5, Salvani 3, Dela Torre 2, Lopez 0, Garavan 0, Patio 0.
Quarterscores: 31-13, 46-23, 67-48, 82-70