UP Fighting Maroons Starts with 2-0 as they Grab Wire-to-Wire Victory from UE Red Warriors

University of the Philippines cruised past University of the East, taking a wire-to-wire 66-48 victory to remain unblemished in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at Adamson Gym in San Marcelino, Manila.

The Fighting Maroons were able to sustain the momentum it gained from their 92-61 rout of the Adamson Lady Falcons on opening day to go 2-0 early in the season.

But for UP head coach Paul Ramos, they still have more to show despite picking up two dominant victories.

“A win is a win. I’m still glad that we won and that we were able to learn more about ourselves. We know we can still do better,” said Ramos.

UP was on point on both ends right from the get-go, racing to a 10-2 lead and only limiting UE to just four points on 2-of-16 shooting from the field in the first 10 minutes of action to lead 19-4.

The Fighting Maroons never let up, leading by as much as 21 points multiple times in the contest.

“UE played really well and we respect them,” Ramos continued.

Marielle Vingno and Christie Bariquit led the way for the Fighting Maroons with 13 and 12 points, respectively. Marian Domingo and Favour Onoh added eight apiece with the latter also contributing 12 rebounds.

And on Sunday, the Fighting Maroons will take on defending, eight-time champions National University Lady Bulldogs.

UP will have prized freshman Louna Ozar as well for Sunday’s clash set to take place at 11 a.m. at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

“Come Sunday against NU, we are hoping for the best that all we have practiced on, we will be able to execute against them,” said Ramos.

“As we speak, Louna is arriving. We are hoping that she can adjust by Sunday and settle down. Hopefully, maturuan niya kami ng Chinese,” he continued as Ozar is coming off a stint with Gilas Women in the 19th Asian Games.

UE, who dropped to 0-2, welcomed head coach Ai Lebornio back. Lebornio, who served as an assistant coach for Gilas Women, arrived from China early this week.

No Lady Warrior reached double-figures in the contest with Paulina Anastacio and Dianne Pedregosa leading the way with seven points each.

The Scores:

UP 66 – Vingno 13, Bariquit 12, Domingo 8, Onoh 8, Pesquera 7, Tapawan 6, Godez 5, Maw 4, Sanchez 3, Lozada 0, Jimenez 0, Quinoqunio 0, Sauz 0.

UE 48 – Anastacio 7, Pedregosa 7, Ruiz 6, Dela Rosa 6, Paule 6, Burgos 5, Kone 5, Ronquillo 4, Lorena 2, Delig 0, Del Carmen 0.

Quarterscores: 19-4, 33-20, 51-36, 66-48