The Ateneo Blue Eagles celebrate after winning the UAAP Season 87 women's 3x3 basketball tournament, May 4, 2025 at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque. UAAP Media
MANILA -- Ateneo de Manila University claimed a breakthrough championship in UAAP 3x3 basketball thanks to the heroics of star center Kacey dela Rosa.
Dela Rosa powered the fourth-seeded Blue Eagles past No. 3 Far Eastern University, 21-17, in the final of the Season 87 women's 3x3 basketball tournament on Sunday at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque.
The two-time Most Valuable Player in the full-court version of the game had an 11-point, 10-rebound performance in the gold medal game.
"I'm really happy and sana sa 5-on-5 makuha din namin. Pagtratrabahuan namin 'yun," said Dela Rosa, the 6-foot center who was later named women's MVP—her third top individual award in the UAAP.
With the game tied at 17-all, Junize Calago hit a cold-blooded two-pointer with 2:28 left to give Ateneo the lead. On the following possession, Dela Rosa split her free throws to put the Blue Eagles on championship point. She later sealed the win with a layup inside following a defensive stop.
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"Laking tulong sa akin nun kasi na-improve ko yung individual skills ko at maglaro sa iba't ibang setting," said Dela Rosa, who is also a member of the Gilas Women U23 squad that will compete in the FIBA 3x3 Nations League and Manila Gilas 3x3 that is part of the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series.
Calago chipped in seven points, while rookie Kai Oani added three.
Ateneo's Kacey dela Rosa in action against FEU in the gold medal game of the UAAP Season 87 women's 3x3 basketball tournament, May 4, 2025 at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque. UAAP Media
Shane Salvani paced FEU with nine points.
Ateneo dethroned defending champion UST in the semifinals, 14-10, with Dela Rosa registering seven points and 12 boards. FEU, on the other hand, edged second-seeded UP, 13-12, to make the final.
In the women's bronze match, CJ Maglupay and UST outlasted UP, 15-14.
FEU's JR Pasaol and UST's Karylle Sierba were named Rookies of the Year in the collegiate division.
In the high school ranks, FEU-Diliman's Liam Salangsang (boys), UST's Barby Dajao (girls), and Sky Jazul (junior high school boys) were recognized as MVPs in their respective categories.
Ateneo's Tyler Templo received Rookie of the Year honors in the girls' division, as there were no other rookies in the boys' field.