Princess Cochico provided Adamson University with much-needed separation as the Lady Falcons came from behind to eclipse Far Eastern University in overtime, 69-64 Sunday in the UAAP Season 78 women’s basketball tournament at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Cochico scored the go-ahead basket in extra time to give Adamson a 63-61 lead before nailing free throws down the stretch as the Lady Falcons improved to 2-0 in the team standins while sending the Lady Tamaraws, last year’s finalists, to the bottom at 0-2.
Cochico topscored for the San Marcelino squad with 17 points on 6-for-9 shooting, and added 8 rebounds, and 9 assists.
Myra Osano and Jamie Alcoy contributed 15 and 14 points, respectively, giving the Lady Falcons a much-needed offensive boost.
After 5 straight points from Loraine Ventura made it 52-46 for the Lady Tamaraws to open the fourth quarter, the Lady Falcons responded with a 12-4 rally to regain control, 58-56.
An and-one play by Janille De Castro and a triple from Alcoy capped the run, as Adamson took the lead.
A split from Angel Arellado followed by a steal and fastbreak finish gave FEU the lead, 59-58 but Cochico responded by making two foul shots.
Adamson controlled their possessions under the last two minutes of regulation, although struggled to execute on offense.
Jonalyn Lacson’s split made it 61-59 with only 12 seconds left but Isabel Ballecer nailed two charities on the other end after being fouled to send the game to extension.
FEU however, missed seven straight free throws in the overtime, as the game slipped away from their hands.
The Morayta squad also committed a whopping 39 turnovers and shot only 32.4 percent from the field which allowed Adamson to fight back and steal the win.
Ballecer paced the Lady Tamaraws with 14 points and 15 boards.
Scores:
Adamson (69) – Cochico 17, Osano 15, Alcoy 14, De Castro 7, Lacson 6, Tacitac 4, Ido 2, Diaz 2, Pingol 2, Araja 0, Generoso 0, Tabanao 0, Aciro 0, Ramillano 0.
FEU (64) – Ballecer 14, Ventura 10, Castro 9, Arellado 8, Adriano 7, Okunlola 5, Baldonado 4, Abat 3, Hortaleza 2, Quiapo 2, Mamaril 0, Payadon 0, Capua 0.
Quarterscores: 17-13, 29-35, 46-47, 61-61, 69-64.
