The Ateneo Blue Eagles overcame a 14-point deficit to stun the La Salle Lady Archers, 79-66, and secure their first win of the UAAP Season 89 Women’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With six minutes remaining in the game, Kyla Go put the Lady Archers on top, 60-59. However, Alyssa Rodriguez and Kacey Dela Rosa sparked a 5-0 run to regain the lead, 65-60, with three minutes remaining.
Ateneo’s Defense Finishes Strong
Rodriguez and Seng Calago then took over in the closing minutes, limiting the Lady Archers to just six points as the Blue Eagles pulled away to secure their first victory of the season.
“Everyone knows that they will be guarding Kacey. Yung difference siguro ngayon is yung contributions ng iba. We have three more na nag-double-digit in this game, so malaking factor ’yon,” said first-year Ateneo head coach PJ Navarro.
Kacey Dela Rosa Stars Again
Once more, Dela Rosa led the Blue Eagles with 26 points, 13 rebounds, 5 steals, 4 assists, and 2 blocks.
Calago added 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Rodriguez finished with 12 points. Sarah Makanjuola chipped in 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.
For La Salle, BJ Villarin paced the team with 21 points, 6 steals, and 5 rebounds. Go contributed 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Marga Dueñas added 12 points and 5 steals.
The Blue Eagles will try to sustain their momentum against the FEU Lady Tamaraws on Saturday, October 10, at 12:00 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Meanwhile, the Lady Archers will look to bounce back against the UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday, October 11, at 12:00 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
