Adamson University avoided a late-game collapse to escape the University of the Philippines, 69-65, claiming a share of fourth place in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Fueled by clutch efforts from Kat Agojo and Brianna Bajo — as well as the early-game brilliance of Nigerian center Kemi Adeshina and Cheska Apag — the Lady Falcons improved to a joint-fourth spot alongside the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws.
Both teams now hold identical 5-7 records with two elimination round games remaining.
Beyond joining the Lady Tamaraws as joint-fourth placers, the Lady Falcons also widened the gap over the De La Salle University Lady Archers (4-7) and the Fighting Maroons (3-8).
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“First of all, I just want to say na credits to the girls. Talagang pinuso nila yung laro. There are some circumstances that are out of control, and the girls rose above that, rose above those circumstances,” Adamson head coach Jed Colonia said.
“As what I always say, the girls will always play, and it’s up to them on how they counter those counters and overcome those circumstances.”
The Lady Falcons entered the payoff period with a comfortable 12-point lead, 57-45. But the Fighting Maroons opened the fourth quarter with a 16-5 surge — highlighted by seven straight points from Camille Nolasco — cutting the deficit to just one at 62-61 with 4:30 remaining.
UP remained within striking distance as one free throw each by Kaye Pesquera and Shanina Tapawan narrowed the gap to 67-65 with 1:10 left. However, crucial defensive plays in the closing seconds allowed Adamson to hold on for the hard-fought victory.
Following a scramble after Pesquera’s potential game-tying layup, Nolasco and company forced Apag into a backcourt violation with nine seconds remaining. Moments later, the Lady Falcons finally exhaled when an errant Ozar pass fell to Nolasco — only for Bajo to swipe it clean before Agojo drained the dagger layup to seal the win.
Adeshina finished with 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting, adding 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block, while Apag contributed 17 points, four steals, and two assists.
Elaine Etang was limited to nine points on 4-of-17 shooting but dished out eight assists, grabbed five rebounds, and had three steals. Meniano posted six points, four rebounds, three steals, and one assist.
Adamson now aims to strengthen its Final Four bid in a crucial matchup against La Salle on Wednesday, November 19, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For UP, Nolasco led the Fighting Maroons with 19 points, five rebounds, and one steal, while Ozar added 16 points, three rebounds, three assists, and four steals but committed eight of the team’s 27 turnovers.
Achrissa Maw chipped in 10 points, three rebounds, and one steal.
UP will also face a tough challenge to keep its postseason hopes alive when it battles Ateneo de Manila University on the same date and venue.
The Scores:
AdU (69) – Adeshina 18, Apag 17, Etang 9, Meniano 6, A. Alaba 4, E. Alaba 4, Manlimos 4, Padilla 3, Bajo 2, Agojo 2, Munoz 0, Limbago 0, Ornopia 0.
UP (65) – Nolasco 19, Ozar 16, Maw 10, Pesquera 9, Cunanan 5, Tapawan 4, Mendoza 2, Solitario 0, Vingno 0, Barba 0, Mejasco 0.
Quarterscores: 23-20, 41-32, 57-45, 69-65.
