REIGNING UAAP MVP Kacey dela Rosa reminded everyone who she was, uncorking a career-high 34 points in Ateneo’s 79-68 victory over the Favour Onoh-less University of the Philippines to start the UAAP Season 87 women's basketball tournament.
The Gilas Pilipinas Women center also grabbed 11 rebounds and three blocks to deliver the win for the Blue Eagles on Sunday.
"Everybody knows Kacey is the main player of our team but it's not just her points but also her leadership. She has to make her teammates better," said coach LA Mumar.
Dela Rosa, who is fresh from her stint with the Nationals in the Fiba Women's Basketball World Cup Pre-qualifying Tournament in Kigali, Rwanda, shared that she is also embracing this new role, saying: “Syempre mahirap maging ate but I have to be a leader for this team.”
Nigerian center Sarah Makanjuola also provided support with her 13 points and 12 boards,
Aly Eufemiano chimed in 12 points and five rebounds, and Junize Calago got six points, 10 boards, and eight assists.
Achrissa Maw paced the Lady Maroons with 23 points in the defeat.
NU Kicks Off Road Top Redemption
Also at Adamson Gym, National University began its road to redemption with a 64-49 rout of La Salle.
Camille Clarin showed the way for the Lady Bulldogs with 16 points, six rebounds, three steals, and an assist, while Kristine Cayabyab nabbed 13 points, four boards, four assists, and four steals.
Highly touted rookie Cielo Pagdulagan sparked the second half pullaway with her 11 points and four rebounds.
"Just glad that the first game of the season is done. Not the prettiest win, but we'll take it,” said coach Aris Dimaunahan.
Tricia Mendoza topped the Lady Archers with a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds.
UST Dominates UE To Open Title Defense In Style
Earlier in the day at Smart Araneta Coliseum, University of Santo Tomas started its title defense with an 86-44 blowout of University of the East.
Rookie Karylle Sierba was as good as advertised for the Growling Tigresses with her 18 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Kent Pastrana remained solid with 15 points, five boards, and seven assists, while Rachelle Ambos had a near-triple-double with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and eight steals.
"Baka may mga first-game jitters. We started very excited. It’s all unforced turnovers. Hopefully sa next games, medyo maremedyohan namin yung mga turnovers namin,” said coach Haydee Ong.
The Lady Warriors slumped to their 38th straight loss but drew a positive from Rachel Lacayanga’s 11 points and seven rebounds.
Adamson Drops FEU
Adamson also spoiled Far Eastern University’s dream debut for coach Raiza Palmera-Dy, delivering a 76-63 thumping.
“We wanted to make a statement on our first game," said Lady Falcons coach Ryan Monteclaro.
Cheska Apag topped Adamson with 17 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals, as Elaine Etang tallied nine points, six boards, and six assists.
Nigerian center Victoria Adeshina maximized the absence of the suspended Josee Kaputu and nabbed 10 points and 16 rebounds.
Joann Nagma topscored for FEU with her 14 points, 12 rebounds, and five steals in the defeat.
The Scores:
First Game:
UST 86 – Sierba 18, Pastrana 15, Ambos 13, Danganan 7, Soriano 6, Tacatac 5, Santos 5, Relliquette 5, Bron 4, Maglupay 4, Pineda 2, Serrano 2, Dionisio 0, Pescador 0, Lopez 0, Amatong 0.
UE 44 – Lacayanga 11, Kone 8, Ronquillo 8, Ganade 6, Vacalares 6, Yanez 3, Buscar 2, Dublar 0, Ruiz 0, Cruz 0.
Quarters: 15-13, 41-24, 62-34, 86-44.
Second Game:
ADAMSON 76 – Apag 17, Adeshina 10, Etang 9, Agojo 7, Aa. Alaba 7, Padilla 6, Ae. Alaba 6, Meniano 5, Ornopia 4, Mazo 2, Bajo 2, Trabado 1, Limbago 0, Cortez 0, Delos Santos 0, Manlimos 0.
FEU 63 – Nagma 14, Manguiat 13, Salvani 12, Pasilang 8, Paras 4, Lopez 3, Villanueva 3, Dela Torre 2, Libor 2, Ong 2.
Quarters: 12-14, 33-27, 54-44, 76-63.
Third Game:
ATENEO 79 - Dela Rosa 34, Makanjuola 13, Eufemiano 12, Oani 8, Calago 6, Villacruz 4, Batongbakal 2, Cancio 0, Cruza 0, Angala 0.
UP 68 - Maw 23, Pesquera 17, Ozar 16, Tapawan 4, Nolasco 3, Bariquit 2, Mendoza 2, Barba 1, Lozada 0, Solitario 0, Vingno 0, Quinquino 0, Jimenez 0, Sauz 0.
Quarters: 29-22, 49-39, 65-49, 79-68.
Fourth Game:
NU 64 - Clarin 16, Cayabyab 13, Pagdulagan 11, Solis 8, Fabruada 7, Surada 5, Talas 3, Konateh 1, Canuto 0, Betanio 0, Alterado 0, Ico 0, Pring 0.
LA SALLE 49 - Mendoza 16, Paraiso 10, Sario 7, Binaohan 4, Sunga 4, Dalisay 2, Bacierto 2, Camba 2, De La Paz 2, San Juan 0, Delos Reyes 0.
Quarters: 17-17, 33-28, 57-38, 64-49.
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