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Ateneo center Kacey Dela Rosa in action against UP in the UAAP Season 87 women's basketball tournament, September 8, 2024 at the Adamson Gym in Manila. UAAP Media
MANILA -- Kacey Dela Rosa showed why she is the reigning Most Valuable Player as she powered Ateneo de Manila University to a 79-68 win against the University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 87 women's basketball tournament.
Dela Rosa fired a career-best 34 points along with 11 rebounds and three blocks in their game on Sunday at the Adamson Gym in Manila.
"Everybody knows Kacey is the main player of our team but it's not just her points but also her leadership. She has to make her teammates better," said Ateneo head coach LA Mumar of his star center.
"Siyempre mahirap maging ate but I have to be a leader for this team," added Dela Rosa, who is coming off a stint with the Gilas Women in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Prequalifying Tournament in Rwanda.
The Blue Eagles pounced on the Fighting Maroons' frontline, with UP missing reigning rookie of the year Favour Onoh due to a knee injury.
READ: UP's Favour Onoh ruled out for UAAP Season 87
Ateneo out-rebounded UP 59-29 and scored 21 second-chance points compared to just two for their opponents. Additionally, most of the Blue Eagles’ points came from inside the paint.
"We feel bad for Coach Paul (Ramos) for losing a key piece. But kami kasi, we are just focusing on our team and how we can improve," said Mumar.
Dela Rosa had already scored 16 points by halftime, helping Ateneo secure a 49-39 lead. The advantage grew to as much as 17 points, 63-46, towards the end of the third quarter.
Sarah Makanjuola, a third-year big from Nigeria, supported Dela Rosa with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Aly Eufemiano added 12 points and five rebounds, while Junize Calago contributed six points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.
“I was a bit concerned at first because we have a lot of rookies. Pero the veterans delivered for us. Nandito sila Kacey at sila Sarah. Hopefully, this is a good initiation for the rookies,” Mumar said as Ateneo prepares to face University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday.
Achrissa Maw led UP with 23 points, while Kaye Pesquera and Louna Ozar added 17 and 16 points, respectively.
UP will next face University of the East on Saturday.
The Scores:
Ateneo 79 - Dela Rosa 34, Makanjuola 13, Eufemiano 12, Oani 8, Calago 6, Villacruz 4, Batongbakal 2, Cancio 0, Cruza 0, Angala 0.
UP 68 - Maw 23, Pesquera 17, Ozar 16, Tapawan 4, Nolasco 3, Bariquit 2, Mendoza 2, Barba 1, Lozada 0, Solitario 0, Vingno 0, Quinquinio 0, Jimenez 0, Sauz 0.
Quarterscores: 29-22, 49-39, 65-49, 79-68