The University of the Philippines Women’s Basketball Team (UPWBT) placed eighth and gained valuable experience on the international stage in the recently concluded 2025 BLIA Cup University Basketball Invitational, held from July 1 to 6 at the Fengshan Stadium in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. 

Despite falling short in their first overseas stint, the UPWBT embodied the ‘never give up’ spirit throughout their campaign as they faced the Japan Women’s College of Physical Education, Fo Guang University, the Malaysia Selection Team, and Shih Hsin University. The UPWBT represented the Philippines alongside the National University Lady Bulldogs in the tournament.

 

vs. Japan Women’s College of Physical Education

First game jitters took over the Diliman-based squad, and they fell to the Japan Women’s College of Physical Education (JWCPE), 70-95. Both teams started the game trading baskets, but JWCPE pulled away towards the end of the first quarter and maintained their momentum all throughout. Down by 18 with four minutes left in the third frame, 50-68, a Camille Nolasco basket sparked a 7-0 run to narrow the gap and bring the deficit to 11.

In the final period, JWCPE kept the UPWBT scoreless until Shanina Tapawan found a hole in their defense and put up the first bucket with 4:00 remaining. It was difficult to find more opportunities for scoring as Japan blew their lead up to 25. 

UP failed to complete its comeback attempt and continued trying to catch up, eventually leading to its first loss of the tournament.

Kaye Pesquera took the lead for the Fighting Maroons as she contributed 13 points and three assists. Blessing Francis neared a double-double with eight markers and 12 rebounds.

 

vs. Fo Guang University

The Fighting Maroons aimed to bounce back after their first-game loss, but eventually fell short a second time, 66-87, in their match against Fo Guang University (FGU).

State U had a promising first half, taking an early lead and taking turns with the Taiwanese in scoring. Following a 7-7 deadlock, Taiwan went on a 6-point run, to which UP answered with one of their own, 15-17, to end the first frame.

The Filipinas kept up with the Taiwanese, staying within six points for most of the second quarter. However, after a timeout with three minutes left, 29-35, Fo Guang found its footing and broke away with a 12-5 run to end the half 13 points ahead.

FGU capitalized on their momentum and continued building on their advantage going into the second half, which the UPWBT could no longer catch up to until the final buzzer. 

Nonetheless, Francis stepped up for UP once again and put up a double-double, contributing 12 points and 12 boards, as well as two steals and one block.

 

vs. Malaysia Selection Team

With pressure on their backs, UP did not back down against the Malaysia Selection Team, but they ultimately dropped their third-straight game, 70-81, to end the preliminary round with a 0-3 record. 

The UPWBT had early momentum and scored 11 consecutive points in the first two minutes of the opening quarter. However, with height not on their side, they were unable to sustain their advantage as Malaysia had an explosive 19-point run to bring the difference down to one. Malaysia scored another four and ended the first period 3-points ahead. 

Malaysia dominated the second quarter, extending their lead to 12, 31-43, at the end of the first half. 

Behind by 19 in the third, 36-55, the Fighting Maroons went on multiple runs to trim down their deficit to six points, 57-63, early in the final frame. 

However, with nine minutes remaining, Malaysia answered back with 12-straight points, to take an 18-point advantage, 57-75, with 4:08 remaining. State U scored another 13 compared to their opponents’ six, 70-81, but ran out of time to catch up.

Camille Nolasco came up big for the Maroon squad with 11 points and five rebounds. Achrissa Maw also stepped up with 10 points, seven rebounds, and two steals.

 

vs. Shih Hsin University

UP narrowly missed their chance to grab a come-from-behind win after succumbing to Shih Hsin University, 85-90, in a close battle for seventh place. 

In true Maroon fashion, the Iskas had a slow start and played catch-up for most of the game. They cut down Shih Hsin’s 13-point lead to three, 62-65, but the Taiwanese squad scored five unanswered points to end the third period with an eight-point advantage, 62-70.

With an unwavering ‘UP Laban’ spirit, the Fighting Maroons started the final quarter with a 9-3 run, closing the gap to just two, 71-73. However, SHU answered with a 15-5 run to stretch their lead to 12, 76-88. 

With less than a minute left, UP sparked a 9-0 rally, 85-88, to get within three as a last-ditch effort but eventually ran out of time to turn the game in their favor.

Mary Cris Mejasco boosted the Maroon charge in the crucial moments and finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals.