UP emerges victorious in season-ender, pushes past UE

University of the Philippines finished its season on a high note with a convincing 65-48 victory against University of the East to finish in fifth place with a 5-9 record in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Basketball Tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre last November 23.

UP ended their campaign with two consecutive wins after dropping their first five second round matches. UE, on the other hand, capped off its season ranked eighth, with a 1-13 record, its lone win being against the DLSU Green Archers.

Both teams traded leads to start the match until a last-second Achrissa Maw shot off a Camille Nolasco bounce pass handed UP a 13-9 lead to end the first quarter. The Diliman-based squad then upped their defense in the second quarter, tallying seven blocks and limiting UE to just 11 points compared to their 21, to head into the second half with a 34-20 lead.

While UE attempted to fight back in the third frame by implementing a full court press and scoring nine straight points, even cutting UP’s lead by four 34-38, Nolasco drained three triples to keep the team up by 16, 53-37.

Kaye Pesquera, who was silent throughout the match, scored half of her 14 points in the final frame, shooting crucial baskets to seal the deal.

UP also made sure to take advantage of UE’s scrappy defense by scoring 23 points off turnovers compared to UE’s six, and 13 fastbreak points to UE’s zero.

Nolasco, who admitted to struggling with her confidence throughout the season, played her best game, contributing 14 points, four rebounds, and two assists. Pesquera’s 14 came with three rebounds, one assist, and two steals, while Ozar chipped in 13 points, four rebounds, two assists, and three steals.

This game marked the end of the UAAP careers of UP players Christie Bariquit, Erika Jimenez, and Arianne Sauz.

Jearzy Ganade who played her last game in the UAAP, top-scored for UE and produced 17 points, five rebounds, one steal, and one block. Meanwhile, Aliyah Ronquillo gave 10 points, seven rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block.

Despite the team finishing out of the Final Four, UP head coach Paul Ramos is thankful for his players for stepping up and contributing to the team. Moving forward, he shares that he is excited for the next season, especially as they are expecting the return of prized Season 86 Rookie of the Year Favour Onoh, who was sidelined due to injuries to both knees this season.

Box Scores

Quarter scores: 13-9, 34-20, 53-37, 65-48.