UAAP: UP women hold off La Salle to get back on winning track

MANILA — University of the Philippines on Sunday regained its winning ways in the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball tournament.

The Fighting Maroons got it done the hard way, holding off De La Salle University for a 63-58 result at the Mall of Asia Arena.

UP snapped a two-game slide and improved to 2-2 under new head coach Eric Altamirano, while the Lady Archers dropped to 1-3.

“I always remind them — even if we struggle, make sure our defense would not be compromised,” said Altamirano. “True enough, we were able to pull this through. La Salle is a tough team, and what I liked about the girls kanina was that they played cohesively as a team.”

After a sluggish opening quarter for both teams, UP found its rhythm with an 11-2 run in the second period, capped by Camille Nolasco’s floater to establish a double-digit lead at 29-18.

La Salle tightened its defense in the third quarter, mounting a 9-2 run capped by Zyla Lubrico’s triple to cut the deficit to two, 48-46.

However, Kaye Pesquera answered with a buzzer-beating triple to restore UP’s five-point cushion heading into the final quarter, 51-46.

The Fighting Maroons regained control in the fourth as Nolasco knocked down two triples to extend their lead to 10, 63-53.

La Salle’s comeback bid also suffered a setback when Kyla Go sustained a left ankle injury with 4:54 remaining. Go stepped on Blessing Francis’ foot while driving to the basket and did not return to the game.

UP’s starters accounted for 55 of the team’s 63 points, with Ozar leading the Fighting Maroons with 20 points, three rebounds, and four steals. Ozar scored 16 points in the first half alone.

Nolasco added 16 points on four-of-six shooting from beyond the arc, while Francis chipped in a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.

For La Salle, Bukko Ojo recorded a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Go finished with 12 points and three steals.

UP will look to extend its winning run against the University of the East on Saturday, October 17, at 10 a.m. at the Quadricentennial Pavilion. 

Meanwhile, La Salle will face Adamson University on Sunday, October 18, at noon at the Blue Eagle Gym.

UP 63 – Ozar 20, Nolasco 16, Francis 10, Cunanan 7, Pesquera 5, Vingno 3, Ka 2, Tapawan 0, Abrams 0, Loon 0, Mendoza 0.

La Salle 58 – Ojo 14, Go 12, Lubrico 9, Villarin 7, Sunga 6, Dizon 5, Villapando 3, Bacierto 2, Dizon 0, Delos Reyes 0, Anastacio 0.

Quarterscores: 18-16, 37-29, 51-46, 63-58.