The UP Fighting Maroons erased a 13‑point deficit to stun the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 89‑82, and record their first win in the UAAP Season 89 Women’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
For most of the game, the Fighting Maroons played catch‑up before Camille Nolasco and Louna Ozar sparked their comeback in the fourth quarter. The duo helped UP tie the game at 78‑all with 3:21 remaining.
Marielle Vingno and Nolasco then put the Fighting Maroons ahead with an unanswered 5‑0 run, 83‑78, giving UP its first lead of the game. From there, the Fighting Maroons held off the Blue Eagles to complete the comeback and secure the victory.
“First of all, it’s good to be back here in the UAAP. We’re happy with the outcome of the game; it was kind of scary for us. Talagang it was a come‑from‑behind; we had to dig deep, especially in the fourth quarter. But I’m proud of these girls, their resiliency, being able to overcome the lead of Ateneo,” said Fighting Maroons head coach Eric Altamirano, who made his return to the UAAP after a decade.
Gilas Women Standouts Shine in Opener
Nolasco finished with a team‑high 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Vingno and Ozar added 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Kennan Ka also made her UAAP debut after recently helping Gilas Pilipinas Women 3×3 win silver at the 20th Asian Games. She contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Fighting Maroons.
Kacey Dela Rosa, another Gilas Women standout led the Blue Eagles with 28 points and 16 rebounds, while Seng Calago added 16 points and 10 rebounds. Sarah Makanjuola finished the game with 12 points and 8 rebounds.
The Fighting Maroons will next face the FEU Lady Tamaraws on Sunday, October 4, at 12:00 p.m. at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. Meanwhile, the Ateneo Blue Eagles will try to bounce back against the NU Lady Bulldogs on Saturday, October 3, at 12:00 p.m. at the same venue.
