The University of the Philippines Women’s Basketball Team (UP WBT) clinched fifth place after a blowout victory against the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors, 65-48, to cap off their UAAP Season 87 campaign on Saturday, Nov. 23, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
After a promising Season 86, where they entered the Final Four for the first time since 2008 and took eventual champions University of Santo Tomas to their limits in the semifinals, it was a rollercoaster run for UP after losing reigning Rookie of the Year Favour Onoh right before the season began due to knee injuries.
Despite not living up to the expectations after the injury-ridden season, it was nothing but a learning experience for UP head coach Paul Ramos.
“For our season, I can only relate it to more learnings and I think this year, we did not get our targets but I think it’s a season that we’ve learned about which we will carry over the next season,” said Ramos.
For forwards Christie Bariquit and Arianne Sauz, as well as guard Erika Jimenez, this is their last match donning the State U jerseys.
Meanwhile, rookie Camille Nolasco played her best game in the UAAP with 14 points, four rebounds, and two assists as the UP WBT ended their season with a 5-9 record.
The Diliman-based squad started off strong, with Louna Ozar scoring 13 markers in the first half alone, and UP led by as many as 20 points during the last minute of the second quarter.
Down by 14 at the start of the third salvo, UE came out swinging with a 9-0 run after simultaneous jump shots and a triple from Jearzy Ganade cut the deficit to 5, 34-29.
However, the Fighting Maroons stayed unfazed as Nolasco drained back-to-back treys to extend their lead back to 53-37 entering the final frame.
UP continued to dominate in the fourth quarter, increasing the gap by 27 points, the largest margin of the game, 65-38, courtesy of Rhea Solitario’s three-pointer and an Achrissa Maw bucket that proved insurmountable for the Lady Warriors.
The Diliman-based squad also enjoyed steady contributions from their second unit courtesy of 32 bench points in contrast to UE’s 6.
State U also earned a bulk of their scoring tally through their defense, generating 17 steals and 26 points off turnovers.
Kaye Pesquera trailed Nolasco on the scoreboard with 14 markers, while Louna Ozar added 13 points, four rebounds, and three steals.
On the flip side, star player and senior Ganade, top-scored for the Recto-based squad with 17 points, five rebounds, five assists, and a steal.
The Fighting Maroons are looking forward to bouncing back next season with Onoh’s possible return.
UP WBT QUARTER SCORES: 13-9, 34-20, 53-37, 65-48
