By Dugout Philippines
QUEZON CITY--Ateneo showed steely resolve to edge University of the East, 65-62, and assure itself of a podium finish on Saturday in the UAAP Season 78 women's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Danica Jose hit two free throws off Eunique Chan's fifth foul in the last 5.3 seconds to give the Lady Eagles a three-point buffer.
The Lady Warriors, who finished third in the eliminations, tried to send the game into overtime but Ruthlaine Tacula's three-pointer went air ball in the dwindling seconds.
Winning a second straight do-or-die game, Ateneo will face twice-to-beat De La Salle in the second step-ladder on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The semifinals survivor will take on defending champion National University in the title round. The Lady Bulldogs, unbeaten in 30 contests since last season, hold a tremendous thrice-to-beat advantage in the Finals.
Jose, the daughter of former pro Bobby who is playing her final season for the Lady Eagles, finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists while Hazelle Yam also shot 17 points, 13 in the first half.
Tacula paced UE with 17 points and 12 rebounds while Love Joy Sto. Domingo chipped in 16 points and eight rebounds.
It was a sorry loss for the Lady Warriors, who rallied from a 22-35 hole in the first half only to fell short in the end.
Box Scores:
Ateneo 65-Jose 17, Yam 17, Guytingco 10, Tomita 10, Go 7, Buendia 2, Nitorreda 2, Aseron 0, Deacon 0. Javier 0, Lamar 0
UE 62-Tacula 17, Sto. Domingo 16, Ano-os 11, Mendina 8, Chan 7, Taguiam 3, Francisco 0, Ramos 0, Sampaga 0
Quarterscores: 21-16, 35-29, 53-50, 65-62
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