MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo and University of the Philippines (UP) booked contrasting victories on Wednesday to kick off the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s basketball tournament at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The Lady Eagles rallied from as many as 16 points down in the first half to frustrate the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 51-39, while University of the Philippines (UP) sent University of the East (UE) reeling to a 64-52 rout.
Samantha Ong was the only double-digit scorer with 11 points for the Lady Eagles, who woke up after a disastrous first two quarters and rallied back in the game with a balanced offense that saw eight others contributing to the victory.
Danica Jose made nine points but was the most effective Lady Eagle off the boards with 12 rebounds.
Eden Alla led the Lady Bulldogs with 13 points that went with four rebounds and one assist, while Kristina Tolentino and Roselyn Santos each had eight markers. Gemma Miranda hauled down 10 rebounds for NU, which stormed to a 13-8 lead after the first quarter and looked headed to an easy outing with a 21-8 halftime margin.
The UP victory spoiled the 23-point output of UE’s Dianne Ventura and the 17-rebound performance of Cindy Resultay.