UAAP: Players of the Week Jumamoy, Dela Rosa steer NU, Ateneo to key wins

National University’s Reinhard Jumamoy (#12) and Ateneo de Manila University’s Kacey Dela Rosa (#28). UAAP Media.MANILA — With the first round of UAAP Season 89 basketball nearing its end, teams in both divisions are looking to strengthen their positions in the standings.

In the men’s division, National University (NU) has strung together back-to-back wins over Adamson University and the University of Santo Tomas (UST), including an overtime thriller against the latter, where Reinhard Jumamoy delivered a clutch performance for the Bulldogs.

Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University has bounced back from an 0-2 start in the women’s division, notching consecutive victories over De La Salle University and Far Eastern University (FEU) behind the efforts of Kacey Dela Rosa.

Both players were named the UAAP Collegiate Press Corps Players of the Week in their respective divisions for the period of October 7 to 11.

Jumamoy powered NU past Adamson with 12 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and a steal in an 85-66 victory over the Soaring Falcons. He followed that up with 19 points, six rebounds, six assists, and two steals against UST, capping his stellar performance with a go-ahead triple to seal the Bulldogs’ overtime win.

His clutch performances earned him the weekly honor over fellow Bulldog PJ Palacielo, FEU’s Mo Konateh and Kirby Mongcopa, Adamson’s Ray Allen Torres, the University of the Philippines’ (UP) Noy Remogat and Veejay Pre, and La Salle’s JC Macalalag.

The Bulldogs currently hold a 4-2 record as they approach the end of the first round.

“Inisip ko lang na ako na ‘yung titira. Ini-ensayo ko naman ‘yun eh. ‘Yung laging sinasabi ni Coach sa akin na sobrang kapal ng mukha ko, nag-take charge lang ako,” Jumamoy said, reflecting on his game-winning shot against UST.

On the women’s side, Dela Rosa has continued to lead Ateneo’s resurgence with back-to-back double-doubles. She tallied 26 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, five steals, and two blocks against perennial rival La Salle before following that up with 25 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, six steals, and two blocks against FEU.

Her all-around performances earned her the weekly citation over teammate Seng Callago, Adamson’s Elaine Etang and Cheska Apag, UST’s Oma Onianwa, and UP’s Louna Ozar.

After opening the season with two straight losses, the Blue Eagles have bounced back with consecutive wins to even their record at 2-2.

“Every game naman, go hard lang palagi. Tinutrust ako nila coach na ako talaga yung magle-lead inside sa mga teammates ko,” Dela Rosa said, reflecting on her role in Ateneo’s winning run.

NU will close out its first-round campaign against the FEU Tamaraws on Sunday, October 18, while Ateneo will face the UST Growling Tigresses on Saturday, October 17, at the Quadricentennial Pavilion as the UAAP Season 89 collegiate men’s and women’s basketball tournaments continue.