Jingky Balasta scored 22, big points to help the Adamson University Lady Falcons beat back a second half surge from the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons and take home a 57-44 win, the second win in their UAAP Season 77 Women’s Basketball campaign.
The Lady Falcons had built a steady 26-16 lead heading into the second half, having held the Lady Maroons to a woeful two-point output in the opening quarter. The Lady Maroons would only come alive in the second quarter, spurred by Antonia Wong, to outscore Adamson 14-12.
The third quarter saw UP mount a steady but effective comeback, with Iriss Isip taking the reins from Wong to lead the Lady Maroons to finally close in on the Falcons, outscoring them 13-7, to bring the score to 33-29, in favor of Adamson, heading into the final period.
However, Jingky Balasta responded to the UP comeback by hitting big threes in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, helping the Falcons regain a double-digit lead with three minutes from the game. Unable to find an answer for the sweet-shooting Balasta, the Lady Maroons could only watch as the Falcons piled on the lead in the final two minutes of the quarter, sinking free-throw after free-throw.
Balasta also had 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal for the Lady Falcons, while Jesusa Avila, also instrumental in Adamson’s fourth quarter counterattack contributed 13 points.
Antonia Wong had 12 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block for the UP cause.
The Lady Falcons are currently at 2-2, in the standings, this win marking their second consecutive win after opening their season with a dismal 0-2 slate. The Maroons meanwhile sink to a 0-4 hole.
