Ateneo's Kacey dela Rosa in action. UAAP Media
MANILA — Ateneo de Manila University romped past De La Salle University, taking a 77-58 victory to remain undefeated in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Blue Eagles now share the lead in the eight-team field with the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses, both holding 3-0 records.
“In the preseason, we faced La Salle twice and we lost because of our turnovers and different pressure defenses nila,” said Ateneo assistant coach Reggie Varilla, who sat in for LA Mumar as the head coach was under the weather.
"The whole week, we just worked on our press break and how to attack their press to score. It’s evident, we’ve been averaging 25 turnovers in the past few games, today we just had 16, so we’re proud of these girls," the former Ateneo 19-and-under head coach added.
Trailing by as much as 20 in the first half, the Lady Archers managed to close the gap to 45-51 late in the third frame on a Tricia Mendoza three-pointer.
However, Gracie Batongbakal and Erica de Luna responded with back-to-back triples for the Blue Eagles, followed by a jumper from Kate Cancio to restore a double-digit lead at 59-45 heading into the fourth quarter.
Kacey dela Rosa and De Luna then opened the payoff period with a 9-1 run, extending the lead to 68-46 with six minutes and 10 seconds remaining.
Reigning two-time MVP Dela Rosa delivered another standout performance with 15 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, four blocks, and three steals, while Camille Malagar added 13 points.
Kai Oani contributed 12 points, and rookie De Luna, from De La Salle Zobel, recorded 11 points, four rebounds, three steals, and a block.
Ateneo will next face the University of the Philippines on Wednesday at the same arena in Pasay.
Meanwhile, the Lady Archers continued their slide to 0-3 and will aim for their first win next Sunday against the defending champion National University Lady Bulldogs.
Mendoza and Mica Camba led La Salle with 11 points each.
The Scores:
Ateneo (77) – Dela Rosa 15, Malagar 13, Oani 12, De Luna 11, Cancio 8, Villacruz 4, Batungbakal 3, Makanjoula 3, H. Lopez 3, Cruza 3, Olivenza 2, L. Lopez 0, Fetalvero 0, Chan 0.
DLSU (58) – Mendoza 11, Camba 11, A. Dizon 8, Delos Reyes 8, Sunga 5, Nosifat 4. Lubrico 3, Go 3, Villarin 3, Anastacio 2, Dela Paz 0. Villapando 0, S. Dizon 0.
Quarterscores: 28-10, 39-30, 59-45, 77-58