BEA Daez, playing with a protective mask, came through with 13 points as University of the Philippines edged University of the East, 46-45, to keep its semifinals bid alive Sunday in the UAAP Season 78 women's basketball tournament at the Blue Eagle gym.
The Lady Maroons are now riding the crest of a three-game winning streak after a long 25 straight losing skein to remain in the playoff hunt.
Daez got ample support from Therese Medina (11 points, six rebounds) and Patricia Pesquera (10 points, nine boards) for the Lady Maroons.
In other results, defending champion National University overwhelmed Adamson, 75-49, to extend its perfect run to 10 games, La Salle secured the second semifinals berth with a 54-43 whipping of Far Eastern University, while University of Santo Tomas routed Ateneo, 67-53.
The Lady Maroons are now tied with the Lady Falcons in sixth place at 3-7, trailing joint fourth placers Lady Eagles and Lady Warriors, who both sport 4-6 slates as all four remain in the race for the last semifinals berth.
Prior to its win over UE, the Diliman-based school ended a futility of 25 straight losses spanning three seasons by beating Adamson, before following it up with a narrow one-point victory over Ateneo.
The Lady Bulldogs, who already secured the first semis spot, stretched their remarkable winning run to 28 games dating back from last year.
Reigning MVP Afril Bernardino was at her usual best with 19 points, 12 rebounds, three steals, and two assists, while Shelley Gupilan added 12 points and three assists for the reigning champs.
Camille Claro finished with 12 points and five assists, while Ara Abaca chipped in 10 points, six rebounds, and five assists as the Lady Archers have now won nine straight after a season-opening loss to the Lady Bulldogs.
Meanwhile, the league announced on Monday that the postponed games last Oct. 18 have been moved on Nov. 4 when action resumes after the Halloween break.
The matches scheduled are UST-UP at 9 a.m., followed by NU-Ateneo (11 a.m.), UE-FEU (1 p.m.), and Adamson-La Salle (3 p.m). at the Blue Eagle gym.
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