UP nears first round sweep in UAAP women’s basketball; NU wins anew

MANILA, Philippines – University of the Philippines and defending champion National University remained on top of the UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball tournament after defeating separate foes at the Adamson University Gym on Wednesday.

The UP Fighting Maroons moved closer to a first-round sweep after overcoming last year’s runners-up, La Salle Lady Archers, 65-61, to remain undefeated in six games – the school’s best start of the Final Four era.

Louna Ozar led the way for UP with 14 points, six assists and four steals. Marian Domingo also scored fourteen points with five rebounds, two steals and two assists, while Christie Bariquit and Rhea Sanchez each added nine.

“We are happy that we won. The closer the season gets to the end of the first round, the more we learn and get better. We’re just happy that we’re still winning,” said UP coach Paul Ramos, who was Eric Castro’s first deputy 15 years ago.

Ann Mendoza led La Salle’s valiant stand with 15 points and six rebounds, while Betina Binaohan and Luisa San Juan each added 14 points to fall to a 1-5 record.

Eight-peat-seeking NU earned its second straight win after dominating 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 points. bounces back.

“The challenge for our team was how well you bounce back the next game and the games after that. We are quite satisfied, but not yet satisfied. Yes, we have the W, but turning the ball over twenty times shows our carelessness in this game,” said NU coach Aris Dimaunahan.

UE remained winless in six games despite Trixie Burgos’ 12 points and 14 rebounds.

UST back on track

UST Tigresses’ Kent Pastrana. –UAAP PHOTO

Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas crashed Ateneo, 90-67, to regain its winning ways after back-to-back losses.

Kent Pastrana paced the Growling Tigresses with 17 points. Agatha Bron had 15 points on 5-for-6 shooting, while Apple Maglupay added nine points and 12 rebounds to tie their victims at 4-2 in third place.

“When I started the match I told them that we had to come back after the two hard defeats we had. It’s a good thing our bench players came out today,” said UST coach Haydee Ong.

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 his second straight win after defeating Far Eastern University in wire-to-wire fashion, 71-50, on Wednesday at Adamson Gym in San Marcelino, Manila.

The Lady Falcons leaned on sophomore guard Francine Meniano, who had 15 points, five rebounds and four steals to tie the Lady Tamaraws with 2-4 records.