After stunning the FEU Lady Tamaraws last Wednesday, Nathalia Prado and the Adamson University Lady Falcons continue to ride their momentum, bucking a slow start against the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons to take a 67-57 victory to climb up to fourth place in the UAAP Season 80 Women’s Basketball tournament.
Prado produced another double-double as she led the Lady Falcons with 20 points and 11 rebounds today at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Jamie Alcoy also chipped in with 15 points while Jonalyn Lacson produced 15 rebounds for Adamson.
After Adamson seized a 31-25 halftime lead, UP’s Therese Medina trimmed the deficit to just 33-31 early in the third period. From that point, the Lady Falcons made a 15-4 run capped off by April Cabug’s trey to extend their lead to 48-35 at 3:20 mark off the quarter.
“Yung run nung third quarter medyo nagpalaki yung lamang namin,” commented Adamson coach John Kallos. “Sinustain lang namin tapos well prepared yung game plan namin para sa (UP), yung dribble handoff nila sa press break. Medyo maganda ang viewing namin at yung preparation for them.”
With a 52-42 separation just before the fourth quarter, Adamson continued to execute on both ends of the floor in the final period and an Alcoy teardrop handed the Lady Falcons their biggest lead of the ballgame at 67-49 with just three minutes remaining in the ballgame.
In the end, Adamson cruised to a 67-57 victory against State U to strengthen its push for a ticket to the post-season.
Inside points sealed the deal for Adamson as it made 38 compared to UP’s 18. Additionally, the Lady Falcons starters gave out 46 markers vs the Lady Maroons’ 19.
“Credit ko yan para sa mga bata. They work hard. Ayaw nila mag-break. Kahit pagod na pagod na kami sa schedule, ayaw nila mag-break. Siguro yun tingin ko ay gusto talaga ng mga bata manalo,” concluded Kallos.
Lou Ordoveza and Iriss Isip led the Lady Maroons today with 14 and 10 points respectively.
There is still no word as to who Adamson (3-4) and State U (0-7) shall face in the start of the second round.
The Scores:
AdU (67) – Prado 20, Alcoy 15, Rosario 9, Araja 5, Camacho 5, Cabug 5, Lacson 4, Tacitac 2, Aciro 2, Villanueva 0, Cacho 0, Gaite 0, Ramiliano 0.
UP (57) – Ordoveza 14, Isip, 10, Medina 8, Esplana 7, Cruz 5, Domingo 3, Lapid 3, Gatpatan 3, Pesquera 2, Ongsiako 2, Rodas 0, Tan 0, Viray 0, Bascon 0, Amar 0.
Quarterscores: 13-14, 31-25, 52-42, 67-57.
