Lady Eagles Downed by The Lady Maroons, 53-64

Basketball is a game of adjustments. Coaches usually make the proper adjustments in preparation for their next game or in-game as the match develops. Today, the Lady Maroons came prepared. From the get go, the UP ladies set out to win this one. It wasn't that the Lady Eagles weren't out to win it, the Lady Maroons was just better prepared today.

The 1st quarter was close. As every basket was answered by the other team. The quarter ended with UP on top, ADMU 11 - UP 13. It seemed that this game was going down the wire as both teams matched well with each other. The 2nd quarter proved to be the turning point as UP finally got their offense in rhythm as they were able to increase their lead to 7 midway through the quarter, ADMU 18 - UP 25. The ladies in blue tried their best to close the gap to end the half, however UP had an answer to every basket of Ateneo. The half ended with UP still in the lead, ADMU 23 - UP 32.

Sam Ong's scored 17 points, most of them from three point territory. Her timely shots kept the Lady Eagles at striking distance.
(Lady Eagles vs UP - Filoil Arena, August 15, 2010)

The 3rd quarter saw the Lady Maroons keep the Lady Eagles at bay. At certain points of the quarter Ateneo would go on a mini run and be able to close the gap to within 3 points, only to have it snuffed by UP with their own runs. The quarter ended slightly better for Ateneo, ADMU 39 - UP 44.

Val Chua with a short jumper, as the Lady Eagles try to cut the UP deficit in the 3rd quarter.
(Lady Eagles vs UP - Filoil Arena, August 15, 2010)

In the final quarter, the Lady Eagles started out all business. The only problem was, the Lady Maroons were ready for them. Ateneo would again go on runs and close the gaps, but 3 points seemed to be the hump that the Lady Eagles couldn't seem to get past, as Ateneo tried in vain to get back the lead. The game finally ended, ADMU 53 - UP 64.

Mariana Lopa makes a 3-pointer to spark the Lady Eagles' last ditch effort near the end of the game.
(Lady Eagles vs UP - Filoil Arena, August 15, 2010)

*Games between Ateneo and UP have always been emotional, be it in the Men's, Junior's or Women's divisions. What made today's game extra emotional was how the referee's called it. I don't usually complain about how the refs call a game. I usually leave that to the experts. However, today was just too dodgy not to complain. Mind you, I am not complaining because I think Ateneo lost the game because of bad officiating. UP deserve the win. They were better prepared, they scored when it counted and played defense that frustrated the Lady Eagles.

The officiating benefited neither team. Both teams were victimized by such bad officiating. I believe there were more double lane violations called that fouls. It was like each 2nd free throw missed was a sure lane violation. At one point, Coach Joe Silva told the girls not to even enter the shaded area. And the funny thing was, a violation was called against the Lady Eagles! It's bad enough that violations are called because two players of opposing teams enter too early. But to call a violation because no one entered the lane, that's just plain bad officiating. In another instance the same violation was called. The possession arrow pointed towards Ateneo, the barker called Ateneo ball, the UP staff knew that possession was for Ateneo, the whole freaking Filoil Arena knew whose ball it was, except for the refs. They nonchalantly gave the ball to a UP player in the sidelines and started the game. What the?!??! The infuriating thing was, they had to confer with table officials to change their call. L-A-B-O. Come on UAAP, get the referee's acts together!

** Angel Morales of the Lady Eagles suffered a knee injury as she slipped some 3 minutes into the game. The injury happened just when she shot a 3 pointer. Losing her was a big loss to the team as she plays hustle defense and can shoot the lights out. I pray for her speed recovery. One Big Fight Angel!