UAAP: UP, Ateneo sustain surge in women’s basketball

UP’s Louna Ozar.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines and Ateneo continued their hot streaks after taking down separate foes in the UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball tournament on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

UP staved off University of Santo Tomas in overtime, 73-69, to stay unbeaten in five games — the school’s best start since Season 71.

Louna Ozar tied the game at 63-all with 45.3 seconds remaining in the final period that forced extra time.

The Fighting Maroons overcame a three-point deficit to start overtime as Christie Bariquit joined hands with Marielle Vingno and Kaye Pesquera to score six straight for a 69-66 lead with 2:20 left before Ozar and Favour Onoh put the finishing touches to stay unbeaten.

Pesquera led the way for the Fighting Maroons with 17 points including four three-pointers. Ozar had 16 points and four steals. Bariquit chipped in 15 points and seven rebounds, while  Nigerian center Onoh added nine points, 17 rebounds, and five blocks.

“I’m happy we won a close game because that is a facet we can get better. It’s a team effort and we’re hoping to maintain that,” said UP coach Paul Ramos.  

UP’s Favour Onoh.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

UST slid to a 3-2 record. Kent Pastrana led the Growling Tigresses with 19 points. Tantoy Ferrer had 14 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and five steals, while Brigette Santos added 11 points and seven rebounds.

Meanwhile, Kacey Dela Rosa delivered 20 points, 11 rebounds, and three steals to lead Ateneo to its fourth straight win after beating Far Eastern University, 72-64.

The Blue Eagles also banked on Sarah Makanjuola’s double-double of 13 points, 11 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Junize Calago had 14 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while Jhaz Joson added 10 points and seven assists without turnovers.

“It was a very important game for us because FEU was close to us in the standings. We wanted to take one step trying to get to the Final Four so this is a big win for us,” said Ateneo coach LA Mumar as his team rose to a 4-1 record in the second place.

FEU dropped to a 2-3 record as Josee Kaputu’s monster game of 26 points and 20 rebounds went for naught. Jaina Del Prado and Queenie Aquino had nine points each.