Adamson University snapped its two-game skid in emphatic fashion, cruising past the University of the East, 75-49, to open the second round of the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Falcons wasted no time asserting control, exploding for a commanding 27-6 first quarter behind the efforts of Cris Padilla, Elaine Etang, and Cheska Apag.
That dominance continued into the next frame as Adamson extended its lead to 26 at halftime, 40-14, after a low-scoring but steady 13-8 second period.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Last season’s third placers, the Lady Falcons feel determined to bounce back strong in the second round and secure another Final Four appearance.
With the victory, Adamson improved to 3-5 for sixth place, just half a game behind the fourth-running Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws (3-4).
“Hindi naman natatapos ‘yung season sa first round lang. We know what we are capable of. We know that we could have won games that were decided by one possession. We know what we are capable of and we just take it one game at a time,” said Adamson head coach Jed Colonia.
Apag led the charge with 16 points on 7-of-13 shooting in just 14 minutes and 40 seconds of action. Etang turned in a stellar all-around performance with 12 points, five rebounds, five assists, and six steals, while Kim Limbago chipped in seven points.
Although both teams committed 24 turnovers, Adamson capitalized better on those errors, converting them into 27 points compared to UE’s 11.
The Lady Falcons will look to sustain their momentum when they face unbeaten University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday at 12:00 PM, still at the Pasay venue.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Rachel Lacayanga was the lone bright spot for the Lady Warriors, finishing with 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
UE, now 0-8, hopes to finally break into the win column when it battles De La Salle University on Wednesday.
The Scores:
AdU (75) – Apag 16, Etang 12, Limbago 7, Padilla 6, Ornopia 6, Meniano 5, Carcallas 5, Bajo 4, Adeshina 4, A. Alaba 4, Mazo 2, Manlimos 2, Muñoz 2, E. Alaba 0, Cortez 0.
UE (49) – Lacayanga 20, Vacalares 9, Yañez 6, Onate 6, Dalguntas 3, Buscar 2, Trinidad 2, Gomez 1, Gullim 0, Delig 0, Ramos 0, Salise 0, Solomon 0.
Quarterscores: 27-6, 40-14, 60-32, 75-49.
