Ateneo's Kacey dela Rosa in action against La Salle in the UAAP Season 87 women's basketball tournament, October 26, 2024 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP MediaMANILA -- Reigning Most Valuable Player Kacey dela Rosa put up another big game to power Ateneo de Manila University past De La Salle University, 70-57, in the UAAP Season 87 women's basketball tournament on Saturday.
It was a much-needed win for the Blue Eagles, who snapped a three-game losing streak at the Mall of Asia Arena. They improved to 5-5, solidifying their hold on fourth place in the league standings.
Dela Rosa torched the Lady Archers for 28 points to go along with 16 rebounds and five steals, helping Ateneo recover after losses to University of Santo Tomas and National University.
READ: NU women shake off dela Rosa, Ateneo to stay perfect
"Yung mindset lang namin coming into the game kasi we almost lost to La Salle last round, so kahit nanalo kami last round, syempre inisip namin na we have to come back stronger," the 20-year-old center said. "Kailangan namin matalo ang La Salle kasi it’s a rivalry game kaya this is an important win for us."
After trailing 36-31 at the break, Ateneo turned things around in the second half behind dela Rosa and rookie Kai Oani, who knocked down back-to-back three-pointers to highlight a 28-8 run bridging the third and fourth frames.
This allowed Ateneo to build a 59-44 advantage -- enough to withstand a late rally anchored by La Salle's Patricia Mendoza and Luisa San Juan.
They managed to trim the deficit to eight points, but dela Rosa converted two straight field goals, and Oani knocked down another triple to ice the win.
"I think we really came out medyo tentative and hindi rin kami nakapagpractice ng buo kasi binagyo rin kami. It was really more about energy and being detailed with the game plan. When we started doing that, things started going well for us," said Ateneo head coach LA Mumar.
After a scoreless first half, Oani came alive in the second half and finished with a career-best 17 points on top of three rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Season 86 Mythical Five member Junize Calago was limited to nine points on 3-of-14 shooting but still contributed seven assists, four rebounds, and one steal.
Nigerian center Sarah Makanjoula chipped in seven points on 3-of-4 shooting to go along with seven rebounds and three steals.
The Lady Archers remained at seventh place in the eight-team league after absorbing their second consecutive loss with a 2-8 record.
San Juan still ended the day with 19 points but struggled from the field with 7-of-21 shooting to go along with eight rebounds and three assists, while Lee Sario contributed 11 points, six rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
The Blue Eagles look to sustain tier momentum in a rivalry game against their Katipunan neighbors, the UP Fighting Maroons, on Wednesday, October 30, at the same Pasay venue.
Meanwhile, the Lady Archers will seek to rebound against the struggling FEU Lady Tamaraws on Wednesday, November 6, also at the same Pasay venue.
The Scores:
Ateneo (70) - Dela Rosa 28, Oani 17, Calago 9, Makanjoula 7, Angala 3, Villacruz 2, Batongbakal 2, Aquirre 2, Cancio 0, Nieves 0.
DLSU (57) - San Juan 19, Sario 11, Mendoza 8, Sunga 8, Paraiso 4, Dalisay 3, Dela Paz 3, Rodriguez 1, Bacierto 0, Villavacua 0.
Quarterscores: 18-21, 31-36, 54-44, 70-57.