The Lady Eagles lost anew today to the Final Four bound Lady Archers. However, Ateneo did not simply hand the win to DLSU as it took the Lady Archers an extra 5 minutes to finally dispose of the fighting Lady Eagles, 58-62.
The game started with both teams playing tentative ball on the floor. In a span of three and a half minutes, both teams could only muster 3 points each as Sarah Mercado matched DSLU's three free throws with her own free throw and lay in. This was then countered by the Lady Archers with a crippling 14-0 blast, DLSU up 3-17. Teedee Estrada and Jen Dimaano finally ended the DLSU onslaught by scoring a free throw each. The first quarter ended with the Lady Archers still with a commanding 12 point lead, ADMU 5 - DLSU 17.
The second quarter started with both teams answering each other's offensive sets. DLSU even increased their lead by 1, ADMU 8 - DLSU 21. Then ADMU, with contributions from Val Chua, Sam Ong and Jen Dimaano, went on a scoring tear to bring the lead down to 5, 16-21. DLSU was able to respond with a three pointer, which was again quickly answered by a Dimaano free throw and a three pointer by Val Chua. The second quarter ended with Ateneo slicing DLSU's lead to single digits, 20-24.
The third quarter was riddled with fouls from both teams. DLSU took advantage of this and went to the line more times than ADMU. They made 9 out of their 12 free throws attempts in the quarter. DLSU also had more scoring opportunities as they ended the quarter re-establishing their 12 point lead, ADMU 32-DLSU 44.
Mariana Lopa shoots a three pointer. Mariana's shot tied the game at 52-all to send the game into overtime.(Lady Eagles vs DLSU - Filoil Arena, September 11, 2010)
The fourth quarter saw DLSU free throw shooting percentage go down, as they scored on only 3 out of their 10 attempts. This helped Ateneo's comeback as they little by little chipped into the Lady Archer lead. Everyone that Coach Epok Quimpo brought into the floor contributed. But the biggest play came from Mariana Lopa as she hit a big three pointer that brought the game into overtime at 52-all.
The Lady Eagles finally took the lead at the start of the overtime period off a free throw by Sarah Mercado. However, the Lady Archers answered with a quick field goal and never relinquished the lead. Sarah and Mariana Lopa tried to bring the Lady Eagles back into the game but DLSU answered each of their efforts. The game finally ended at 58-62.
Sarah Mercado with an open lay up off a steal. Sarah top scored for the Lady Eagles with 17 points.(Lady Eagles vs DLSU - Filoil Arena, September 11, 2010)
The game may have had no bearing for either team as Ateneo was out of contention and DLSU already with a firm hold of third place. However, this being a rivalry game, both teams played more for pride rather than standings. Both teams played their hearts out. This may have been a loss, but the Lady Eagles proved one thing, that they can play with the best of them.
Well played, Lady Eagles! One Big Fight!
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