By Adrian Stewart Co

Filipina basketball player Vanessa de Jesus has a solid debut as Duke University Blue Devils cruised to 94-64 win against Longwood in the US NCAA on Thursday at the Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina.

De Jesus, whose mother Maria is a native of Boracay, finished the match with 13 points, on 5-of-9 field goal shooting to go along with four assists, and three rebounds for the Blue Devils.

De Jesus, who was the only newcomer for the Blue Devils squad this season, said that she was very excited to finally play for Duke following her commitment to the school in 2019.

“It was great to finally get out there with the team and show what we’ve all been working at! It’s always been a dream of mine to play college basketball, and now the moment is finally here,” De Jesus said in an interview with Duke Chronicle.

“I’m just so grateful, especially with everything that is going on today. The win just putting the icing on top, and I can’t wait for the rest of the season with the team,” Filipina-American guard added.

As one of the Blue Devils’ starters, De Jesus led her team to a strong start when she made 11 of her 13 points in the opening half. In the second half it was the turn of sophomore Jaida Patrick to explode as she finished with 21 points.

“She is a talented player. She’s very composed and she’s got a great demeanor for a point guard,” Blue Devils head coach Kara Lawson said on De Jesus. “She knows our offense like the back of her hand. She knows where everyone’s supposed to be on the court on every play.”/ASC, WDJ