The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles booked their ticket to the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball stepladder semifinals after turning back the Adamson University Lady Falcons, 66-56, in a crucial win on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Ateneo’s victory was a testament to the sheer dominance of star center Kacey dela Rosa, who delivered a monumental performance with a game-high 17 points and a staggering 20 rebounds.
Dela Rosa also stuffed the stat sheet with three assists, two blocks, and one steal, providing the engine for the Blue Eagles’ offense and defense.
The pivotal moment came in the fourth quarter when Dela Rosa, alongside teammates Kate Cancio, Camille Malagar, and Kai Oani, spearheaded an 11-0 scoring run that ballooned Ateneo’s lead to 65-48, effectively sealing the win.
Oani finished with 13 points, while Malagar added 12 points to the effort. Sarah Makanjuola provided significant support in the paint, tallying nine points and 16 rebounds.
Ateneo coach LA Mumar commended his team’s defensive grit. “Adamson made a run but our defense held up. That’s what we talk about,” Mumar said. “They’re a very tough and scrappy team. Today, with God’s help, we were able to pull through.”
The win sets up a thrilling knockout match against the defending champion and No. 2 seed National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ateneo lost both elimination round games to NU, but Dela Rosa is focused on proving the Blue Eagles belong on the same level.
“I just want to prove to NU that they are not the only ones who can compete at that level, but we can, too. We just pray for that win,” Dela Rosa declared.
The winner of the Ateneo-NU clash will advance to face the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses, who have already secured the first Finals slot after sweeping the elimination round with a perfect 14-0 record.