De Luna posts rare quadruple-double

Erica de Luna delivered a historic quadruple-double performance to power De La Salle Zobel (DLSZ) to a commanding 114-24 victory over rival Ateneo de Manila University, closing their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 girls’ basketball tournament campaign in style on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The 18-year-old guard from Buli Elementary School etched her name in history as the first player across all five UAAP divisions to record a quadruple-double, finishing with 32 points on 13-of-21 shooting, along with 16 rebounds, 12 steals and 11 assists.

Before De Luna’s feat, the last known quadruple-double performance at the amateur level was achieved by Joshua Saret, who posted an incredible 89 points, 13 steals, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds in Jose Rizal University’s 171-43 rout of Angeles University Foundation during the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 86 Juniors Basketball Tournament on 23 July 2009.

“It’s a major confidence-booster heading into my collegiate career. Despite having limited preparation, I am proud that we ended the season on a high note,” said De Luna, a Grade 12 student.

DLSZ assistant coach Maan Moreno also commended De Luna’s growth and consistency throughout the season.

“She’s very consistent. We couldn’t ask for anything more. We’re very proud of her maturity,” Moreno said.

DLSZ wasted no time establishing control, erupting for a 31-6 first-quarter lead before extending their advantage to 59-12 at halftime.

By the break, the Junior Lady Archers had suffocated the Blue Eagles, holding them to just 3-of-14 shooting while forcing 25 turnovers. The second half was no different, as DLSZ outscored Ateneo, 55-12, over the final two quarters to complete the blowout.

The Junior Lady Archers shot an impressive 47-of-99 (47.5 percent) from the field while dishing out 33 assists. Their suffocating defense limited the Blue Eagles to just 8-of-36 shooting and forced a staggering 51 turnovers.

De Luna had plenty of support with Princess Cordero contributing 25 points, eight assists, five steals, and two rebounds while Naima Navarro added a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds and Alexandra Dominguez chipped in 11 points, five rebounds and one assist.

Sofia Martinez also made an impact, tallying eight points, eight rebounds, four assists, four steals and a block.

Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles wrapped up their campaign with a winless 0-6 record.

Ateneo remains in search of its first-ever victory in the UAAP girls’ basketball after going 0-6 during the inaugural season in 2019.

Jian Exconde and Cesca Pangilinan each scored six points for Ateneo, while Matia Molina added four points, three assists, and two rebounds.