Fourth-ranked Ateneo eked out a 55-53 win over rival No.2 De La Salle University Wednesday to force a do-or-die in the UAAP Season 78 women’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena.
Hazelle Yam led all scorers with 19 points while Jolina Go added 11 for the Lady Eagles, who survived their fourth knockout game.
Danica Jose dominated in the shaded area with 19 rebounds and had six points to boot for Ateneo.
The KO game for the last finals berth is on Saturday morning at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
No.1 National University earned an outright championship slot and a thrice-to-beat advantage after sweeping the elimination round.
Ateneo’s playoff push started by beating Adamson in its last game of the elimination round, turned back University of Santo Tomas in a playoff for the fourth seed before knocking off third seed University of the East over the weekend.
Snow Penaranda nearly had a double-double with 12 points and nine boards while Aracelle Abaca had an 11-point, 15-board double-double.