Joson powers Ateneo past UE

Jhazmin Joson filled the stats sheet with impressive numbers to tow Ateneo De Manila University to a 73-62 win over winless University of the East in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women's basketball tournament at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo yesterday.

The Blue Eagles unleashed a huge 18-5 burst in the fourth quarter to fend off the Lady Warriors and close the first round at solo fourth spot with a 4-3 win-loss record.

"I wanna give kudos to coach Ai (Lebornio). She really came up with a good game plan against us," Ateneo first year coach LA Mumar said.

"I think this was (UE's) best game in the UAAP. That team is well-coached so all kudos to them," he added.

Leading Ateneo in handing UE its seventh straight defeat was Joson.

She had an all-around performance of 20 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, three steals, and one block for the Katipunan-based squad.

Meanwhile, De La Salle University overcame the stiff challenge of Adamson University to walk away with a 75-65 victory late Saturday to end the first round with a 5-2 record at third spot.

Lee Sario led the Lady Archers with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and three steals and Joehanna Arciga chipped in with 15 points and 12 rebounds.

The Lady Falcons slid to sixth with a 2-5 mark.

Nigerian student-athlete Sarah Makanjuola added 17 points, 21 rebounds, and seven blocks for the Blue Eagles while LJ Miranda and Sandra Villacruz contributed 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Protecting a 53-50 lead in the last 8:37, Ateneo uncorked a blitz capped by a Villacruz basket to create a 71-55 separation with just 2:06 left.

Joyce Terrinal led the Lady Warriors with 14 points while Pauline Anastacio had 11. Kamba Kone had 10 points and 10 rebounds for UE.