Ateneo de Manila University cruised past University of the East 72-62 to extend its winning streak to three games in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Basketball Tournament Wednesday at the Adamson University Gym.

The Blue Eagles improved their record to 3-1, having an average winning margin of 9.67 points after they defeated De La Salle University 87-80 last Wednesday and Adamson University 69-59 last Sunday.

Last season’s Rookie of the Year Kacey Dela Rosa was once again at the forefront of Ateneo’s attack, producing 23 points, 18 rebounds, five steals and five blocks.

“This season, parang yung teams diba, dikit lahat ng games,” said Dela Rosa. “Masaya ako na ganito yung napakita ko. Natulungan ko yung team.”

The Blue Eagles achieved their biggest lead of 59-39 over the Red Warriors in the third quarter off baskets from Sarah Makanjoula, Kacey Dela Rosa, Jhazmin Joson, Yunika Angala and Mille Gastador.

However, the Lady Warriors managed to trim the deficit to just 58-67 with less than two minutes remaining. Minslie Paule, Dianne Pedregosa, and Arabela Dela Rosa combined to give UE hope with less than two minutes remaining in the final frame.

Dela Rosa and Calago then iced the game with a three-point play and lay-up respectively to seal the win with a 12-point cushion with over 40 seconds left.

Villacruz had 13 points for the Blue Eagles while Junize Calago contributed 13 points, 14 rebounds and five assists. Nigerian sophomore Makanjuola also had 10 points and six rebounds.

Jhazmin Joson had an off day for Ateneo against the Lady Warriors, being limited to just six points, five assists, and three rebounds while committing seven turnovers.

Despite winning the game, Ateneo committed 26 turnovers compared to UE’s 14. The Blue Eagles’ starters proved to be too strong for the Lady Warriors -- scoring 65 to the latter’s 34.

“We could have played better if we lessened our turnovers,” said Blue Eagles assistant coach PJ Navarro. “Right now, I’m seeing the turnovers are consistently there. If we lessen the turnovers, siguro mas maganda pa ilalara ng mga players namin.”

Ateneo will look to win a fourth consecutive game when it takes on Far Eastern University this Saturday at 9 a.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

On the other hand, Kat Ruiz led UE the Lady Warriors with 13 points while Trivie Burgos followed her lead with 11 points and eight rebounds. Paule also scored 10 points for UE.

UE dropped its fourth straight game this season. The Lady Warriors have an average losing margin of 14.75 points in their four assignments.

The Lady Warriors will play this Sunday against Adamson University at 11 a.m. also at the same Pasay venue.

The Scores:

Ateneo 72 - Dela Rosa 23, Villacruz 13, Calago 13, Makanjuola 10, Joson 6, Solis 3, Angala 3, Gastador 1, Cancio 0, Eufemiano 0, Tan 0.

UE 62 - Ruiz 13, Burgos 11, Paule 10, Pedregosa 8, Dela Rosa 8, Lorena 5, Kone 4, Ronquillo 2, Anastacio 1, Delig 0, Yanez 0, Del Carmen 0.

Quarterscores: 19-14, 37-26, 59-41, 72-62.