Ateneo's Hannah Lopez in action against UE in the UAAP Season 88 women's basketball tournament, November 5, 2025 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP Media
MANILA -- Ateneo de Manila University stayed on track for a spot in the Final 4 after an 81-57 rout of the University of the East in the UAAP Season 88 women's basketball tournament, Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Leading the way for the Blue Eagles was the rookie duo of Hannah Lopez and Erica de Luna, along with the consistent play of reigning two-time MVP Kacey dela Rosa.
The result not only gave Ateneo back-to-back wins but also eliminated the Lady Warriors from Final Four contention for the sixth consecutive season.
The Blue Eagles improved to 7-3, solidifying its hold on third place in the league standings and creating some separation from the three-way logjam at fourth among Adamson University, De La Salle University, and Far Eastern University (4-6).
The victory also gave the Blue Eagles a strong momentum boost ahead of their rivalry game against the Lady Archers on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
"We're very wary of UE -- they have nothing to lose and sometimes, those are dangerous teams. But I am happy that the team responded the way they did -- with maturity. We started off a little bit flat, but we were able to pick it up nung second to fourth quarter. I am happy na nagmmature na yung team," Blue Eagles head coach LA Mumar said.
Building on a dominant 37-19 first-half performance, Ateneo opened the third quarter on a strong note with back-to-back triples by Lopez and Gracie Batongbakal to extend their lead to 50-26.
UE responded with a 12-2 run, highlighted by two inside hits from Mhariko Gullim and Rachel Lacayanga, trimming the deficit to 52-38.
However, the Blue Eagles quickly regained control as Dela Rosa, Erica de Luna, and Lopez combined for a 20-2 run that stretched into the early moments of the fourth quarter.
Lopez then added an eight-point spurt to give Ateneo a decisive 69-38 advantage with over seven minutes remaining.
That second-half surge proved more than enough, as the Blue Eagles, who also dominated the Lady Warriors 81-52 in their first-round matchup on September 24, secured their 12th straight win over UE dating back to Season 81.
Ateneo's Kacey dela Rosa in action against UE in the UAAP Season 88 women's basketball tournament, November 5, 2025 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP Media
Dela Rosa led Ateneo with 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting, seven rebounds, and two blocks, while Lopez contributed 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting with two steals, one block, and one rebound.
De Luna added a well-rounded performance of 10 points, six rebounds, five steals, and three assists, while Batongbakal chipped in 10 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Meanwhile, the Lady Warriors last made the postseason in Season 81, finishing second in the eliminations before bowing to eventual champion National University in the Finals.
Syvil Onate paced UE with 14 points, six rebounds, and two steals, while Aliyah Ronquillo added 11 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block.
UE will look to bounce back against a struggling University of the Philippines this Saturday, November 8, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
The Scores:
Ateneo (81) - Dela Rosa 19, Lopez 18, De Luna 10, Batongbakal 10, Cancio 6, Malagar 6, Oani 3, Fetalvero 3, Villacruz 2, Makanjoula 2, Olivenza 2, Cruza 0, Chan 0, Lopez 0.
UE (57) - Onate 14, Ronquillo 11, Buscar 9, Lacayanga 9, Vacalares 7, Gollum 5, Lumibao 2, Ramos 0, Dalguntas 0, Salise 0, Trinidad 0, Gomez 0, Solomon 0, Delig 0.
Quarterscores: 13-7, 37-19, 64-38, 81-57.