UAAP: Dela Rosa, Ateneo get back at UP to stay in Final 4 hunt

MANILA — Ateneo de Manila University overcame a second-half fightback from the University of the Philippines for a crucial 76-64 win in the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball tournament, Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

It was a vengeful win for the Blue Eagles, who had lost their first-round matchup 89-82.

Kacey dela Rosa put up a 21-point, 14-rebound double-double on top of three assists and four steals to power Ateneo to a 5-5 slate — within striking distance of Far Eastern University (6-4) for fourth place.

Ateneo’s Kacey dela Rosa in action against UP in the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball tournament, November 7, 2026 at the Araneta Coliseum. UAAP Media“It’s a good feeling na nakabawi kami sa second round but then again, job ain’t done yet,” said Ateneo head coach PJ Navarro.

A 15-0 run bridging the first and second quarters put Ateneo in control, 34-18, before back-to-back layups by Dela Rosa gave the Blue Eagles a commanding 46-29 lead at the half.

They went on to lead by as many as 21 points before UP mounted a fightback, with an 18-2 run in the fourth quarter making it a five-point game, 55-50.

That was as close as the Fighting Maroons would get, however. Clutch free throws by Junize Calago kept Ateneo in control, and a Sarah Makanjuola bucket in the closing seconds extinguished UP’s hopes. 

Calago and Makanjuola finished with 15 points each, while Kai Oani added 13 points for the Blue Eagles.

“Malaking bagay talaga if ‘yung teammates ni Kacey, nagco-contribute kasi it lessens her load at mas mahihirapan kaming mabantayan. Rather than just focusing on Kacey, meron kamiing maaasahan na shooters,” said Navarro.

UP’s struggles continue as they drop to 4-6; the Fighting Maroons have yet to win in the second round. 

Louna Ozar and Kaye Pesquera led the Fighting Maroons with 13 points apiece, while Tiani Abrams chipped in 10 points and three rebounds in the losing effort.

Ateneo (76) – Dela Rosa 21, Calago 15, Makanjoula 15, Oani 13, Lopez 5, Cruza 3, De Luna 2, Rodriguez 2, Subejano 0, Udal 0, Lopez 0.

UP (64) – Ozar 13, Pesquera 13, Abrams 10, Francis 8, Tapawan 8, Nolasco, 5, Ka 5, Vingno 2, Loon 0, Cunanan 0, Maw 0.

Quarterscores: 28-18, 48-29, 55-48, 76-64.