UAAP Women’s Basketball: Ateneo cruises past undermanned FEU, holds on to fourth spot
Ateneo de Manila University took advantage of shorthanded Far Eastern University, trampling the latter team, 69-53, to stay in the top four of the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament on Sunday, September 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Reigning UAAP Season 86 MVP Kacey Dela Rosa paced the Blue Eagles, delivering 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Nigerian student-athlete Sarah Makanjuola registered 17 markers and 17 boards.
FEU was able to control the game by as many as 16 points before a 10-4 run in the final quarter.
The pressured Blue Eagles, however, quickly found its rhythm once again by supplying a crucial three-pointer courtesy of Gracie Batongbakal, a layup from Makanjuola, and a technical free throw by Kani Oani prompting Ateneo’s lead to 22 points, with less than 2:30 remaining on the clock.
“We’re looking for some consistency, and I expected us to be a little bit rocky in the first round,” said Blue Eagles head coach LA Mumar.
“It’s a big adjustment for all of us, but I think our girls are responding well. We’re an inside-out team and we feel that we can really build the team around these two girls (Dela Rosa and Makanjuola). We are gonna roll with that identity.”
Raiza Palmera-Dy’s team dropped to a 1-5 record as the Lady Tamaraws were playing without sidelined Congolese student-athlete Josee Kaputu, due to an ACL tear in her left knee, and Shane Salvani, who was serving a one-game suspension following a disqualifying foul committed prior to their game with De La Salle University.
Yvette Villanueva stepped up for the nine-woman team with 18 points and nine rebounds, while MJ Manguiat struggled to find her form, limiting her performance to only 10 in the losing cause.
Ateneo will strive to continue its winning ways as they battle against University of the East on Wednesday, October 2, at the same venue in Cubao.
FEU, on the other hand, will attempt to bounce back when they face UAAP Season 86 reigning champion University of Santo Tomas on Saturday, October 5, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
Ateneo (69) – Dela Rosa 20, Makanjoula 17, Batongbakal 9, Calago 9, Villacruz 4, Oani 4, Cruza 3, Cancio 2, Fetalvero 1, Angala 0, Lopez 0, Eufemiano 0, Olivenza 0, Nieves 0, Salgado 0, Aquirre 0.
FEU (53) – Villanueva 18, Manguiat 10, Libor 8, Pasilang 5, Lopez 5, Ong 4, Dela Torre 3, Paras 0, Nagma 0, Gavaran 0.
Quarter Scores: 18-7, 28-19, 48-34, 69-53
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The East Asia Super League (EASL) is officially set to raise the curtain on its new season with a twin opening in Taipei and Tokyo on October 8, 2025 — a move that reflects the league’s expanding reach and growing stature as Asia’s premier basketball competition.
All eyes in Taiwan will be on the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium, which will host a blockbuster doubleheader featuring some of the region’s most decorated clubs.
The action tips off with a clash between the B.LEAGUE champions Utsunomiya Brex and the P. LEAGUE+ runners-up Taipei Fubon Braves. Utsunomiya, led by veteran guard Makoto Hiejima, entered as one of Japan’s most successful franchises. The Braves, meanwhile, look to prove their resilience after falling short in a grueling seven-game finals series last season, banking on the leadership of Chinese Taipei legend Lin Chih-Chieh.
The second game of the night brings a rematch between the P. LEAGUE+ champions Taoyuan Pauian Pilots and Japan’s Ryukyu Golden Kings. Their last encounter came in the 2025 EASL Final Four semifinals, where Taoyuan stunned Ryukyu, 71–64. This time, the Golden Kings are eager for redemption, while the Pilots hope to reaffirm their place among Asia’s elite.
Game schedule (HKT):
- Utsunomiya vs. Taipei Fubon – 6:30 PM
- Taoyuan vs. Ryukyu – 8:30 PM
China came within a single basket of toppling Oceania powerhouse Australia in the FIBA Asia Cup final, bowing 90-89 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, but sending a clear message that it remains a force in Asian basketball.
The Chinese squad, bannered by Hu Mingxuan and Hu Jinqiu, led by as many as 15 points through three quarters before faltering in the final minutes against the defending champions. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the performance was a reminder of China’s proud basketball heritage and its potential return to continental supremacy.
Gilas Pilipinas advanced to the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals after triumphing over host nation Saudi Arabia in a tense 95-88 overtime victory on Monday, August 11 (Tuesday, August 12 in Manila) at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
Justin Brownlee once again showed his ‘Never Say Die’ attitude after drilling a contested three-pointer with 3.7 seconds left to force the extra period. He went on to finish with 29 points, five assists, and four rebounds, paving the way for a quarterfinal showdown with two-time defending champion Australia on Wednesday, August 13.
Brownlee’s heroics set the stage for Kevin Quiambao, who buried two triples in OT to complete a 17-point performance alongside three dimes and three deflections.
"It was a special game, it was a special performance from both teams," said head coach Tim Cone. "They (Saudi Arabia) posed a lot of problems for us, and by all rights, they had the game won — except for the guy sitting to my right (Brownlee). If you know his history, that’s not unusual. He’s been hitting big shots."
AJ Edu anchored the middle with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, while Dwight Ramos chipped in 13 markers, 10 boards, three dimes, and a rejection.
Beyond Brownlee’s late-game magic, the Philippines secured the win by neutralizing Saudi Arabia’s high-scoring duo of Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Mohammed Alsuwailem in the extra frame.
Abdur-Rahkman erupted for 33 points on 8-of-14 shooting from deep, while Alsuwailem tallied 26 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks — but the two combined for only five points in OT as Gilas closed the door on the hosts’ upset bid.
The Scores:
Philippines 95 – Brownlee 29, Edu 17, Quiambao 17, Ramos 13, Fajardo 6, Tamayo 5, Thompson 4, Newsome 4, Malonzo 0, Perez 0, Aguilar 0.
Saudi Arabia 88 – Abdur-Rahkman 33, Alsuwailem 26, Almuwallad 10, Abdel Gabar 8, Ma. Almarwani 4, Belal 3, Kadi 3, Mo. Almarwani 1, Shubayli 0.
Quarters: 25-15, 40-37, 60-59, 79-79 (reg.), 95-88 (OT).