UP Fighting Maroons’ Louna Ozar. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines and defending champion National University stayed on top of the UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball tournament after beating separate foes on Wednesday at Adamson University Gym.
The UP Fighting Maroons inched closer to a first-round sweep after overcoming last year’s runner-ups La Salle Lady Archers, 65-61, to stay unbeaten in six games — the school’s best start in the Final Four era.
Louna Ozar led the way for UP with 14 points, six assists, and four steals. Marian Domingo also scored 14 points to go with five rebounds, two steals, and two assists, while Christie Bariquit and Rhea Sanchez added nine each.
“We are happy that we won. The more that the season is coming to the close of the first round, the more we are learning and getting better. We are just glad that we are still winning,” said UP coach Paul Ramos, who was the lead deputy of Eric Castro 15 years ago.
Ann Mendoza led La Salle’s gallant stand with 15 points and six rebounds while Betina Binaohan and Luisa San Juan added 14 points each only to fall to a 1-5 record.
The ‘eight-peat-seeking’ NU earned its second straight win after dominating the winless University of the East, 72-50, with Ann Pingol leading the way with 14 points and Angel Surada dropping a double-double performance with 11 points and 15 rebounds.
“The challenge to our team was how well you bounce back the following game and the games after that. We’re quite happy, but not yet satisfied. Yes, we got the W, but to turn the ball over 20 times speaks of our carelessness in this game,” said NU coach Aris Dimaunahan.
UE remained winless in six matches despite Trixie Burgos’s 12 points and 14 rebounds.
UST back on track
UST Tigresses’ Kent Pastrana. –UAAP PHOTO
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas sent Ateneo crashing, 90-67, to regain its winning ways after back-to-back losses.
Kent Pastrana powered the Growling Tigresses with 17 points. Agatha Bron had 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting, while Apple Maglupay added nine points and 12 rebounds to tie their victims at 4-2 in third place.
“Going into the game I told them we have to bounce back after the two hard losses that we had. Good thing our bench players came out today,” UST coach Haydee Ong said.
Ateneo saw its four-game winning streak snapped by UST with Kacey Dela Rosa carrying her team with 24 points and 13 rebounds, while Sarah Makanjuola added 11 points and 13 rebounds.
Adamson earned its second straight win after drubbing Far Eastern University in wire-to-wire fashion, 71-50, on Wednesday at Adamson Gym in San Marcelino, Manila.
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The Lady Falcons leaned on sophomore guard Francine Meniano, who had 15 points, five rebounds, and four steals to tie the Lady Tamaraws to identical 2-4 records.