The UP Fighting Maroons Women’s Basketball Team (UPWBT) defeated the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Lady Eagles, 89–82, opening their UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) Season 89 women’s basketball campaign on a winning note on Sept. 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The UP Fighting Maroons were trailing much of the game as the Lady Eagles built a 13-point lead in the third period. The UPWBT, however, mounted a late third-quarter surge, closing the period with an 8–0 run to cut the deficit to three, 63–60.
The UP Fighting Maroons carried the momentum into the final frame, where Kennan Ka and Louna Ozar helped trim ADMU’s lead to two points before Camille Nolasco’s three-pointer tied the game at 78-all with 3:21 remaining.
UPWBT then took control as Marielle Vingno’s jumper gave the UP Fighting Maroons their first lead in the game, followed by another triple from Nolasco that pushed the advantage to 83–78. With both teams already in the penalty, UPWBT capitalized on free throws in the closing minutes to seal the game.
Nolasco paced the UP Fighting Maroons with 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Ka, in her UAAP debut, contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds. Vingno and Ozar added 12 and 10 points, respectively.
The win also marked a triumphant return to the UAAP for UPWBT head coach Eric Altamirano, who last coached the league in 2016.
UPWBT’s next game against the Far Eastern University is on Oct. 4, 12 p.m. at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.