Wednesday was the penultimate game day of the first round of the women's basketball tournament in UAAP Season 86, and girl, the players didn't disappoint. Buckets, boards, and blocks were as abundant as AI pictures on Facebook.
The UP Fighting Maroons have forgotten how to lose, while the UST Growling Tigresses clipped the wings of the streaking Ateneo Blue Eagles. With the way things are going, the second round will be even more interesting, to say the least, with big-name players, including the ones on this list, continuing to make a mark.
5. Kacey dela Rosa - Ateneo Blue Eagles
After being in the upper tier for several weeks, dela Rosa slipped to the fifth spot after their blowout loss to UST, 90-67. Still, the Gilas Pilipinas Women stalwart posted MVP-like numbers in the defeat, finishing with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Expect a big bounce-back game this Saturday.
4. Angel Surada - NU Lady Bulldogs
The unassuming Surada, who's also part of Gilas Pilipinas Women, found her way to the list for the second time after helping NU to an easy W over the UE Lady Warriors, 72-50. She posted 11 points, 15 boards, two steals, and two swats in another all-around outing for the 5-1 Lady Bulldogs.
3. Francie Meniano - Adamson Lady Falcons
It's back-to-back victories for the Lady Falcons after trouncing the FEU Tamaraws, 71-50. They got a lot of contributions across the board but it was Meniano who had the biggest presence with 14 points, five rebounds, and three takeaways. Can Adamson keep its sudden momentum going?
2. Kent Pastrana - UST Growling Tigresses
After a few middling outings, Pastrana came up big once again for the Growling Tigresses, leading them to their streak-busting win over the Blue Eagles. The former Mythical Five member had 17 points, six rebounds, and three steals to lead the bench unit, which exploded for 64 markers.
1. Louna Ozar - UP Fighting Maroons
The Blonde Bomber was at it again! Ozar led the Fighting Maroons to their sixth straight win after surviving the De La Salle Lady Archers, 65-61. The Gilas Pilipinas Women standout had 14 markers, six dimes, and four steals to fend off the challenge. UP now has its best start in the Final Four era.