University of the Philippines
Diliman

University of the Philippines
Diliman

Students

UP squeaks past DLSU

Bino Gamba - Diliman Information Office
October 07, 2024 | UPDate Online > Students
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UP Fighting Maroons Women’s Basketball Team (UPWBT) ended the first round with a thrilling win against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Archers, 66-62, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s basketball tournament on Oct. 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The UPWBT. Photo by Marga Villena, from the Facebook page of the UP Fighting Maroons Club

It was a back-and-forth affair in the first half of the game as the two teams exchange baskets and played good defensive stance. The UPWBT was just ahead by two points, 35-33, at the half time break.

DLSU’s Luisa San Juan then found her rhythm and scored on barrage of three pointers to put the Lady Archers on top, 56-46, at the end of the third quarter.

With less than seven minutes left and DLSU still ahead by 10 points, 60-50, the UPWBT staged a comeback by mounting an 11-0 counterattack anchored on the midrange jumper by Kaye Pesquera, and three straight three pointers by Achrissa Maw, Christie Bariquit, and Rizza Lozada. That run gave the UP Fighting Maroons a one-point lead, 61-60, with three minutes and 39 seconds more in the game.

Maw (middle) against two Lady Archer defenders. Photo from the UAAP Media Team

In the ensuing plays, Bariquit split her free throws to give the UP Fighting Maroons, a two-point lead, while DLSU’s Bernice Paraiso converted a basket on the other end to even the score, 62-62. The two teams then were not able to produce points on their respective possessions. At the 32.3 mark of the payoff period, Pesquera was sent to the free throw line on a foul committed by the Lady Archer. Pesquera made her two charity shots, giving the UP Fighting Maroons 64-62, advantage. DLSU still had a chance to tie or even take the lead in their next possession but San Juan’s attempt in the three point area did not go in, forcing her to foul Bariquit to stop the clock. Bariquit then calmly sank her two free throws to seal the victory for the UP Fighting Maroons.

Bariquit (right) guarded by Paraiso. Photo from the UAAP Media Team

Maw paced the UP Fighting Maroons with 18 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. Ozar had a double-double performance scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Bariquit and Pesquera added 11 points apiece.

The UPWBT will enter the second round with a 4-3 win-loss record and is currently at fifth place in the team standings.