De La Salle University recovered from a recent setback by overpowering University of the East, 70-55, in the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball on Sunday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Lady Archers improved to 1-1, while the Lady Warriors dropped to 0-2 and absorbed their 26th consecutive elimination-round defeat dating back to Season 87.
La Salle immediately established control, racing to an 11-2 advantage before UE responded with a 5-0 spurt. The Lady Warriors eventually cut the deficit to six, 22-16, by the end of the first quarter.
UE briefly moved in front in the second period when Roshelle Lumibao’s jumper made it 29-28, but the lead changed hands quickly.
The Lady Archers closed the half with an 11-1 run to regain command at 39-30.
La Salle then kept UE at arm’s length in the third quarter before extending its lead to 17 points, 55-38, entering the final period after Bukky Ojo converted a layup.
The Lady Archers maintained their defensive pressure in the fourth, limiting UE to 15 points to complete the 15-point victory.
Kyla Go spearheaded La Salle with 18 points, three rebounds and six steals, while Nigerian center Favour Ojo added 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
For coach Cholo Villanueva, the victory showed a significant improvement from the team’s opening performance against Far Eastern University.
“It’s a good character win for us that we came back from a loss, especially our first game. I’m not sure if it was the same team in the first game that I was coaching,” Villanueva said.
“It was just a far different team from that last game, and this is how we looked noong preseason. Because of the UAAP jitters, it’s a different environment so everybody is adjusting to the game, to the arenas, and the environment.”
Rachel Lacayanga and Sy Onate led UE with 10 points apiece, while Lumibao finished with seven points and three rebounds. (Adrian Co)
