Reporting note: this article draws on tiebreakertimes.com.ph; LodiScore provides the summary and editorial framing.
Rookie Sensation Sparks Lady Bulldogs Past Blue Eagles 87-77
In what might be the ultimate basketball double shift, 17-year-old rookie Zaydhen Rosano steered the National University Lady Bulldogs to an 87-77 victory over the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Saturday at the Philsports Arena, before immediately packing her bags for international duty with Gilas Pilipinas Women.
Rosano delivered a complete stat line in the UAAP Season 89 collegiate women’s basketball tournament, putting up 13 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals, and a block. The win marked NU's second straight triumph of the campaign and underscored why the young winger is already commanding major minutes at the collegiate level.
DA Olan Praises Rosano's Immediate Impact
Stepping up from the NU Nazareth School girls’ program, Rosano has adapted seamlessly to senior collegiate competition. NU head coach DA Olan noted that the teenager carries herself well beyond her years on the hardwood.
“Tingin ko ‘di na rookie ito eh. By the way she plays, parang hindi siya rookie. Gina-guide siya ng mga veterans, pero ako, sa tingin ko, hindi siya rookie kahit rookie siya. Malaki ‘yung naitutulong niya sa team,” said Olan.
The performance followed a solid collegiate debut against Adamson University at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, where Rosano tallied six points, eight rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
Gilas Girls Face Grueling FIBA U18 Asia Cup Campaign
Following Saturday's contest in Pasig, Rosano departed for Malaysia to join the Gilas Pilipinas Girls squad for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup.
The Philippines faces a daunting assignment after being drawn into Group A alongside Oceania powerhouses Australia and New Zealand, as well as South Korea. Group B features China, Japan, Chinese Taipei, and tournament host Malaysia.
“Malaking responsibilidad po and a big opportunity po kasi pinapangarap lang po ito makamit ng girls and I’m one of the players na napili po,” Rosano said. “Tapangan lang po namin kasi hindi lang apelyido ‘yung dala-dala namin kundi ang Pilipinas na po.”
Tournament Format and Next Fixture
Under tournament rules, the top team from each four-team group secures an automatic semifinal berth, while the second- and third-placed squads cross over into a play-in round to decide the remaining final four places.
The Philippines opens its FIBA U18 Asia Cup campaign against Australia on Sunday at 11:30 a.m.
