Adamson University leaned on its composure and collective effort to hold off Ateneo de Manila University, 79-70, and secure its fourth consecutive victory in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament late Wednesday evening at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Lady Falcons joined the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons and the National University Lady Bulldogs in a three-way tie for second place with identical records.
Adamson head coach Jed Colonia credited his players’ experience for helping them remain composed against the Blue Eagles, particularly in the crucial moments of the game.
“If this was around Season 86 noong rookies pa sila, for sure they wouldn’t react the same way as they did now. It’s with the experience they gained throughout the years, and it’s the greatest teacher,” said Colonia.
He also praised his team for adjusting to an unusually late tipoff.
“I’d like to credit the girls because this is not their usual time na naglalaro sila. We never expected to play at 9 p.m., and we finished at 11 p.m.; even superheroes will have a hard time,” he added.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
With the game tied at 14-all, the Lady Falcons unleashed a 14-2 run to establish their first double-digit lead early in the second quarter.
Adamson continued to dictate the pace, outscoring Ateneo, 32-20, in the second quarter to take a commanding 49-36 advantage into halftime.
The Blue Eagles, however, refused to go down without a fight, mounting a late third-quarter rally. A 10-2 run capped by a Junize Calago buzzer-beater trimmed Adamson’s lead to just two points, 63-61, heading into the final period.
Just as Kacey Dela Rosa brought Ateneo within one, the Lady Falcons answered with back-to-back baskets to regain some breathing room with three minutes remaining.
Following a fastbreak layup by Kai Oani, Kim Limbago sank a tough jump shot with 2:52 left on the clock to preserve Adamson’s five-point cushion.
With the Blue Eagles struggling to regain their offensive rhythm, Elaine Etang delivered the decisive blow with 49.4 seconds remaining before Brianna Bajo put the finishing touches on the victory at the free-throw line.
“Sobrang pasasalamat ako kay God kasi binigyan niya kami ng lakas ng loob ngayon. Very proud ako sa mga teammates ko, grabe ang collective effort. Lahat kami nagtutulungan,” said Etang, who led Adamson with 21 points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
“Knowing Ateneo, they’re a good team. We just respected them and hindi namin sila inunderestimate. Ginawa lang namin ‘yung trabaho namin na tinuro ng mga coaches namin,” she added.
Cheska Apag contributed 17 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals, while Jam Meniano chipped in 12 points and six assists for the Lady Falcons.
Adamson will look to sustain its winning run when it takes on Far Eastern University on Saturday, October 24, at 10:00 a.m. at the Blue Eagle Gym to close out the first round.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Meanwhile, Ateneo dropped to 2-4 after absorbing its second consecutive defeat.
Dela Rosa delivered another double-double, finishing with 30 points and 11 rebounds in the losing effort. Seng Calago added 10 points, nine rebounds, and six assists for the Blue Eagles.
Ateneo will try to bounce back when it hosts the University of the East on Sunday, October 25, at 10:00 a.m. at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The Scores:
AdU 79 – Etang 21, Apag 17, Meniano 12, Adeshina 6, Limbago 5, Mazo 4, Bajo 4, Manlimos 3, Tano 3, Burgos 2, Muñoz 2, Alaba.
Ateneo 70 – Dela Rosa 30, Calago 10, Cruza 9, Oani 8, Lopez 6, Cancio 3, De Luna 2, Potter 2, Subejano 0, Rodriguez 0.
Quarterscores: 17-16, 49-36, 63-61, 79-70.
