Ateneo’s Ylyssa Eufemiano. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo took the last bus ride to the semifinals as it trounced the also-ran University of the East, 65-51, in the UAAP Season 85 women’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at Quadricentennial Pavillion.
Ylyssa Eufemiano scored 16 of her 23 points in the first half and finished with 10 rebounds to pace their crucial win to return to the Final Four for the first time since Season 78 when the school reached the Finals before getting swept by National University in the series.
Kaycee Dela Rosa posted a double-double of 17 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks, while Jhazmin Joson had 13 points, eight boards, five assists, and four steals as Ateneo improved to 7-6, eliminating University of the Philippines (5-8).
Ateneo completed the Final Four picture with NU, La Salle, and University of Santo Tomas.
“Sobrang happy. We’re a program in its infancy stage, getting Kaycee, Ylyssa, and Sarah [Makanjuola]. It’s a pretty new team. It was one of our goals — to make the Final Four even we’re a young team… In a way a little small history for our girlstoday,” said Ateneo coach LA Mumar.
“It’s really a roller-coaster season for us. We’re a young team… I really appreciate the girls, they trust me and the coaching staff. And they believe what we teach them and what we tell them,” he added.
UE stayed winless in 13 games with Joyce Terrinal being the lone double-digit scorer with 15 points, while Kamba Kone was held to nine points on 4-of-19 shooting despite grabbing 16 rebounds.
In a no-bearing game between also-ran squads, Victoria Adeshina paced Adamson with 20 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block to beat Far Eastern University, 62-42.
Rose Ann Dampios had 17 markers, four boards, three assists, two steals, and a block as the Lady Falcons improved to 5-8, tying UP.
Muriel Garcia called the shots for FEU as head coach Bert Flores served a one-game suspension after being ejected in their last ball game against Ateneo last week.
Kyla Go was the lone bright spot for the Lady Tamaraw with 12 points to go with five rebounds and one steal as they fell to 2-11.
The Scores:
First game:
Ateneo 65 – Eufemiano 23, Dela Rosa 17, Joson 13, Calago 4, Villacruz 3, Miranda 2, Nieves 2, Cruza 1, Penaranda 0, Fetalvero 0, Makanjuola 0, Perez 0, Angala 0.
UE 51 – Terrinal 15, Kone 9, Paule 9, Sajol 6, Lorena 5, Caraig 3, Nama 2, Silva 2, Gervacio 0, Tinio 0, Zamudio 0.
Quarters: 22-12, 42-20, 64-38, 65-51.
Second game:
AdU 62 – Adeshina 20, Dampios 17, Flor 9, Agojo 6, Padilla 4, Meniano 2, Etang 2, De la Cruz 2, Catulong 0, Alaba Ali. 0, Alaba Ala. 0, Carcallas 0, Ornopia 0, Dumelod 0, Tano 0.
FEU 42 – Go 12, Taguiam 9, Jumuad 8, Delos Santos 6, Obien 3, Aquino 2, Manguiat 2, Pacia 0, Paras 0, Calinawan 0.
Quarters: 10-11, 25-23, 37-31, 62-42.