Ateneo defied the odds and advanced to its first Finals appearance since 2007 after turning back La Salle, 62-50, Saturday in the UAAP Season 78 women’s basketball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Dealt with a twice-to-win disadvantage in the step-ladder playoffs, the Lady Eagles weathered the storm and edged the Lady Archers, 55-53 in Game 1, before stunning dealing the killer blow in game 2.
Hazelle Yam took control in the fourth as she poured seven of her 15 points while Jolina Go had 15 markers, 11 coming in the second half.
Danica Jose was also a force in the paint, finishing with 11 points and 11 rebounds even as Akiko Tomita had nine.
Ateneo is set to face National Univestiy, which owns a thrice-to-beat edge, in the championship series starting on Wednesday.
Camille Claro paced La Salle in the losing effort with 13 points while Ara Abaca got a near double-double with 12 markers and nine rebounds.