AFTER two years, University of the East’s search for a win is finally over.
The Lady Warriors snapped their 31-game losing streak, holding off a late fourth-quarter rally by La Salle to escape with a 68-65 victory and open the UAAP Season 89 second round on a winning note on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The breakthrough marked the red-and-white's first win since Sept. 22, 2024, when it also defeated the Lady Archers by 18 points.
With this win, UE improved to 1-7 under head coach Ian Valdez, matching La Salle’s record.
“I am very happy lang sa nilaro ng team today. ‘Di ko ma-express, kumbaga first time ko rin manalo dito sa UAAP, so very happy,” the second-year mentor said.
“All the sacrifices for the past two years … na ‘di pa kami ulit nanalo, nagbunga lahat ng tinuturo ko sa mga players ko.”
The Lady Archers refused to go down without a fight, mounting an 11-3 run to pull within one, 64-63, with just over a minute left.
Aliyah Ronquilo answered on the ensuing possession, burying a timely triple to restore the Lady Warriors' four-point cushion, 67-63, with 1:26 remaining.
“Pagkatapos ng game, tinawag ko po ‘yung mga teammates ko at sabi ko ‘Hindi lang ‘to isa. Hindi lang ‘to yung unang makukuha nating panalo. Kailangan nating sundan ‘to,” said Rachel Lacayanga.
Sy Oñate paced UE with 25 points, two rebounds, and one steal, while Lacayanga posted a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds, alongside two assists.
The Scores:
UE 68 – Oñate 25, Lacayanga 18, Buscar 5, Lumibao 5, Ronquillo 3, Vacalares 4, Gutierrez 3, Sajol 2, Guillim 2, Ramos 2, Dalguntas 0, Dublar 0, Cruz 0.
LA SALLE 65 – Ojo 24, Go 10, Lubrico 7, Araza 7, Villapando 6, S. Dizon 5, Tenebro 4, Bacierto 1, Dueñas 1, Sunga 0, Evangelio 0, A. Dizon 0.
Quarters: 13-20, 30-32, 48-43, 68-65.
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