MANILA -- University of the Philippines may have missed out on the Final 4, but they still ended the UAAP Season 87 women's basketball tournament on a winning note on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Fighting Maroons pulled away from the University of the East for a 65-48 win -- their second straight, giving them a 5-9 record to end the elimination round.
"For our season, I can only relate it to more learnings and I think this year, we did not get our targets but I think it’s a season that we’ve learned about which we will carry over the next season," said UP head coach Paul Ramos.
The Lady Warriors trimmed a 20-point deficit to just four, 38-34, thanks to a third quarter flurry from Aliyah Ronquillo, Moana Vacalares and Rachel Lacayanga.
UP's Camille Nolasco in action against UE in the UAAP Season 87 women's basketball tournament, November 23, 2024 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. UAAP MediaBut rookie guard Camille Nolasco found her stroke from long range, knocking down three three-pointers to help UP regain control, 53-37, heading into the final period.
Nolasco, a Gilas Pilipinas Women member, tallied her best game in the UAAP with 14 points, four rebounds, and two assists to lead UP.
Kaye Pesquera added 14 points, while Louna Ozar had 13 points, four rebounds, and three steals.
Erika Jimenez and Christie Bariquit have played their final game for the Fighting Maroons.
The Lady Warriors finished last at 1-13, still an improvement from their winless campaign last year.
Jearzy Ganade, who made 17 points, five rebounds, and five assists, had also played her final game in a Lady Warrior uniform.
The Scores:
UP 65 - Nolasco 14, Pesquera 14, Ozar 13, Maw 9, Tapawan 4, Solitario 3, Mendoza 2, Jimenez 2, Vingno 2, Sauz 1, Quinquinio 1, Lozada 0, Bariquit 0, Barba 0.
UE 48 - Ganade 17, Ronquillo 10, Lacayanga 6, Kone 5, Vacalares 4, Buscar 4, Lumibao 2, Dalguntas 0.
Quarterscores: 13-9, 34-20, 53-37, 65-48.