Despite a late fourth-quarter surge, the DLSU Lady Archers could not finish the job, falling 85-83 to the ADMU Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 89 Women’s Basketball Tournament last night, November 11, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Kyla Go delivered another scoring clinic, dropping a commanding 31 points in the valiant effort, while Bucky Ojo followed suit with another double-double, 11 points and 15 rebounds to anchor the paint.
Meanwhile, ADMU’s Kacey Dela Rosa and Sarah Makanjuola put up 20 apiece to fend off the Lady Archers’ efforts.
Tough break
The Lady Archers started rough from the perimeter, as the Blue Eagles made them pay through their defense. Finding their footing, the Taft-based squad launched a step-back three from Paulina Anastacio to get the game rolling, 3-2. After that exchange, DLSU spun around in circles as the Katipunan-based squad turned up the heat, constantly attacking the paint utilizing their ball movement. Following back-and-forth rim finishes, momentum shifted to Katipunan with a Kai Oani triple, 9-5. Struggling to find an answer for Ateneo’s fast-paced offense, La Salle attempted to find breathing room with plays to reclaim the game. After capitalizing on Ateneo’s defensive miscues, the Green-and-White held out through contact to keep themselves in the game, 23-20.
Seeking to inject life into the Lasallian offense, Ojo used her size advantage to fish out two free throws. After another perimeter shot from Junize Calago, Marga Dueñas answered the call and took to the skies with a beautiful finish off the interception, 28-25. As another tug-of-war ensued, both teams reached the quarter’s third deadlock until Erica De Luna fired her first three-pointer, much to the Lady Archers’ detriment. From that point, the Lasallian defense continued to slip as they played catch-up while Ateneo was in sync on both sides of the hardcourt. As they trailed by a ten-point cushion, the Lady Archers sought to break through their offensive struggles heading into the second half, 53-43.
A close call
The late-night show ensued with Ateneo’s Candice Udal drawing first blood while Makanjoula followed up to give the Blue Eagles an early third-quarter edge. The green shirts then made a swift retaliation attempt, faltering as Go lost ball control en route to the basket. DLSU’s rough start continued with empty possessions until Go got in a two-pointer to open the Green-and-White offense. Hunger for victory shone on the hardcourt as both squads ramped up their aggression. Udal stole from Go, intercepting the pass to bag another point. This triumph was short-lived as Go fought back with an impressive triple to level the playing field. Back-and-forth possessions and relentless drive from both squads raged on as Makanjoula controlled the boards for another basket. Returning to the hardcourt, Ojo set up confident plays as Go threw another go-ahead three. Frequent fouls and assertive plays made for a hard-fought frame, as La Salle found themselves with some light and spirit after capping off a lead. Desperate to turn the green tide, Alyssa Rodriguez shot a speedy three-pointer to usher in the blue waves, while opportunistic passes from BJ Villarin resulted in turnovers. Ateneo’s Calago stopped the back-and-forth sequence with a controlled fast-break layup and sank a bucket. Ever composed, Go swished a three-pointer, closing the gap within six. A hard fall on the shooting guard gave way to another Go free throw. This streak was not yet over for Go as she made another basket and gave the Green-and-White a one-point lead. The fiery green shirts made the Blue Eagles lose their momentum, and a freebie to Dueñas resulted in the first tie of the game, 77-all.
With higher stakes at play, Dela Rosa shook things up with a two-pointer while Go responded with a jumper, as the Taft-based squad called for a timeout with three minutes left. Misfires and lost handles allowed Ateneo to retake the lead with a belligerent offensive play. Dela Rosa shot a quick basket that rapidly widened the Blue-and-White’s lead to three. With 30 seconds left in the game, it was anyone’s chance. The Lady Archers fumbled under a hyperfocused Dela Rosa with a vehement battle for the ball at four seconds left. A foul call on Ojo gave way for a game-changing charity stripe with half a second left on the shot clock. Ojo made her first yet missed her second, falling short of a win against the talons of the Blue Eagles, 85-83.
Absorbing a close-call loss, the DLSU Lady Archers look to recuperate as they face off against second-seed holders, the AdU Lady Falcons on Sunday, November 15, at the same venue.
The Scores:
DLSU 83 – Go 31, Dueñas 14, Ojo 11, Anastacio 5, Villapando 0, Villarin 10, Lubrico 7, Teves 2, A. Dizon 2, Delos Reyes 1, Sunga 0, S. Dizon 0, Evangelio 0, Bacierto 0
ADMU 85 – Makanjuola 20, Dela Rosa 20, Calago 13, Oani 9, H. Lopez 2, Udal 6, De Luna 6, Rodriguez 6, L. Lopez 3, Cruza 0, Subejano 0
Quarter Scores: 20-23, 43-53, 62-70, 83-85