Cheska Apag saved Adamson University from the jaws of defeat, sinking a clutch baseline jumper with 5.5 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.
The Lady Falcons then capitalized on the momentum, eliminating the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 59-53, to advance to the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Stepladder Semifinals on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
With elimination looming, Apag grabbed a crucial offensive rebound after Kim Limbago airballed a three-point attempt. Her calm and precise jumper tied the game at 49, giving Adamson new life in extra time.
In overtime, Adamson found its groove. Elaine Etang drained a pivotal three-pointer, and Nigerian center Victoria Adeshina added two inside baskets.
Together, they pushed the Lady Falcons to a 56-51 advantage with 3:20 remaining.
Novie Ornopia’s hustle proved vital as she tipped out a missed triple from Limbago, leading to a free throw by Apag that extended Adamson’s lead to 57-53 with 7.9 seconds left.
Etang then iced the game with two more free throws, securing the historic victory at 59-53.
“It’s not about me, ‘eh, it’s about them. The hard work they put in day in and day out. Sabi ko before the game, God will always provide for those people who work for Him,” said Lady Falcons head coach Ryan Monteclaro.
“Even if we’re the third in the seeding, I think these players deserve this win. They just proved that that shot was no luck; it was made in the Adamson court every day, every morning.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Third-year Ateneo guard Junize Calago had earlier put the Blue Eagles in control. She scored four straight points – including a top-of-the-key triple and a free throw – for a slim 49-47 lead with under 40 seconds to play.
Ateneo had a chance to win at the buzzer, but Dela Rosa’s fadeaway three-point attempt fell short.
With the win, Adamson advances to face the reigning champion University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses in a do-or-die semifinal for the last spot in the Finals.
National University has already secured a Finals berth after completing a 14-game elimination sweep.
This victory also ensured Adamson’s first podium finish since Season 79 in 2016, under current Baby Falcons 19-and-under head coach Mike Fermin. That team was headlined by standouts Kaye Pingol and Mar Prado.
The Lady Falcons are aiming for their first Finals appearance since Season 74 (2011), when they lost to Far Eastern University in three games.
“It’s all about the heart, na talagang gusto namin manalo kahit na mahirap. Pero still, we know that we can do it. Buo kami na kaya namin manalo even though lamang sila sa amin. Sa amin, walang superstar, but still – buo kami na willing manalo sa game na ito,” Apag said.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Despite their smaller lineup, the trio of Apag, Etang, and Limbago combined for 28 of Adamson’s 57 rebounds.
The Lady Falcons shone in the offensive rebounding department, grabbing 26 boards compared to Ateneo’s 16. This effort helped offset the Blue Eagles’ overall rebounding dominance, as they pulled down 67 boards.
Adamson’s defensive pressure also made a significant difference, forcing Ateneo into 34 turnovers while committing just 12.
The Lady Falcons capitalized, scoring 26 points off Ateneo’s errors.
Etang led the way for Adamson with 22 points, eight rebounds, and three steals, while Adeshina added 16 points, seven rebounds, and one block. Apag finished with a double-double of 10 points, 10 rebounds, two steals, and one assist.
Limbago, though limited to three points, contributed nine rebounds and four steals.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Despite the loss, Ateneo had strong individual performances. Dela Rosa nearly posted a 20-20 game with 19 points, 24 rebounds, five blocks, and one steal.
Nigerian center Sarah Makanjoula added 10 points, 23 rebounds, and a block.
Calago contributed 14 points, six rebounds, three steals, and two assists, though she struggled with shooting efficiency and turnovers.
The Blue Eagles finished in fourth place for the second straight season but will retain a strong core led by Dela Rosa, Kai Oani, and Makanjoula for the next UAAP campaign.
The Scores:
AdU (59) – Etang 22, Adeshina 16, Apag 10, Limbago 3, Alaba 3, Meniano 2, Agojo 2, Padilla 1, Mazo 0, Ornopia 0, Bajo 0, Manlimos 0, Trabado 0, Alaba 0.
Ateneo (53) – Dela Rosa 19, Calago 14, Makanjoula 10, Oani 5, Villacruz 2, Aquirre 2, Batongbakal 1, Angala 0, Cancio 0, Eufemiano 0.
Quarterscores: 13-14, 23-25, 40-34, 49-49, 59-53.
