There’s yet to be a fairytale victory for the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Lady Maroons, as they remain winless at the hands of the undefeated National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 53-105, in the UAAP Season 82 women’s basketball tournament, today at the Mall of Asia Arena.
In what was a lopsided loss to a Bulldogs team that hasn’t lost in five years, the Lady Maroons saw a bright spot in rookie Rhea Sanchez, who led the team with 21 points – all coming from threes.
Team captain Pesky Pesquera also made her presence felt with 15 points and nine rebounds.
The game was all but decided at the end of the first half, where UP trailed 19-62. State U’s only lead was in Pesquera’s first two points that opened the game.
On the rookie’s three point barrage, team captain Pesquera said that it didn’t surprise her.
“Rhea’s our best shooter, and it’s good that she got to gain confidence in this game,” she said. “Hopefully, it carries on the following games.”
When it comes to the loss, Pesquera says that UP is taking their progression in increments.
“We didn’t play the way [we] wanted to play,” she admits, “but we still improved on our goals from last game, like limiting turnovers.”
UP is still looking for its first win of the season, in what has proved to be a season of growing pains with the loss of skipper Justine Domingo to a season-ending ACL injury during the first game of the season.
They look to do this next Saturday, September 21, against the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors at the Ynares Center Antipolo.
QUARTER SCORING: 14-33, 19-62, 36-81, 53-105
