Ateneo ends UP’s unbeaten run in UAAP women’s basketball

Ateneo’s Jhazmin Joson in the UAAP women’s basketball tournament. -UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo capped off Saturday’s UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball tournament quadruple-header with a bang after halting University of the Philippines’ six-game win streak, 85-76, at Adamson University Gym.

It was the Blue Eagles’ mentality that powered their stunning win against the Fighting Maroons that denied them a first-round sweep.

“We all knew that UP was undefeated but we had the mentality that we really believed that we could beat any team. We’re starting to mature so hopefully, this is a sign of better things to come,” said coach LA Mumar, whose squad improved to a 5-2 record.

Jhazmin Joson led the Blue Eagles with a game-high 29 points, four assists and two steals. Junize Calago helped the cause with 24 markers, herself.

Acrissa Maw turned in a 17-point outing for the Fighting Maroons, but to no avail, as they dropped to a 6-1 card tied with National University. Favour Onoh’s 16 points, 18 rebounds and four blocks were also wasted.

Earlier, University of Santo Tomas trashed Far Eastern University, 82-66, to improve to 5-2.

Kent Pastrana led the Growling Tigresses with a solid stat line of 28 points, six steals, five rebounds and three steals. Reigning league MVP Eka Soriano also scored 17 en route to the victory.

UST Tigresses’ Jane Kent Pastrana. –UAAP PHOTO

FEU’s Congolese cager Josee Kaputu finished just a rebound shy of a double-double with 22 points and nine boards but the Lady Tamaraws crashed to a 2-5 record as the sixth seed after the first half of eliminations.

La Salle, meanwhile, snapped its cold spell after two losses, dealing University of the East an 80-62 defeat.

The Lady Archers improved to 2-5, thanks to the efforts of Lee Sario (15), Luisa Dela Paz (14), Bernice Paraiso (12) and Luisa San Juan (11), who combined for 52 points.

The Lady Warriors finished the first round winless after seven games. It was also UE’s 30th straight defeat with the streak dating back to 2019. Minslie Paule was their leading scorer in the loss with 17.

Defending champion National University then dominated home bet Adamson, 95-65.

The Lady Bulldogs hiked their win streak to four while finishing the first round with a 6-1 card just behind UP. 

Tin Cayabyab showed up big for NU with 22 points while Camille Clarin chipped in 18 markers for the victory.

Victoria Adeshina top scored for the Lady Falcons with a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds while Kim Limbago and Ann Dampios had nine points each in a loss that put Adamson to 2-5.