Elaine Etang’s late-game heroics lifted Adamson University past De La Salle University, 70-68, to gain a share of third place in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
After opening the season with a two-game skid, the Lady Falcons have now won three straight to improve to 3-2, matching the record of the University of the Philippines.
Etang posted a double-double of 25 points and 10 assists, along with seven rebounds and three steals. The graduating guard was an impressive 5-of-6 from beyond the arc, knocking down crucial triples that ultimately secured the win for Adamson.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“Hinding-hindi mawawala ‘yung tiwala ko sa team. Kahit na we were down 10, nakabawi kami, and nag-tie pa kami after the first half,” the Lady Falcons’ lone double-digit scorer said.
With 2:45 remaining in the third quarter, the Lady Archers held a 47-36 lead before Adamson stormed back with a 12-2 run to cut the deficit to one heading into the final period.
Etang reclaimed the lead for the Lady Falcons with a triple two minutes into the fourth quarter, putting Adamson ahead, 51-49. However, just as the Falcons were building momentum, Kyla Go drilled a three-pointer to force another deadlock at 60-all with 4:18 left in the game.
Etang then took charge, sinking two triples in the final two minutes to give Adamson a 70-64 advantage.
La Salle refused to back down, as Go split her free throws before Steph Villapando buried a three-pointer to cut the deficit to two.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
The Lady Archers had multiple opportunities to tie the game or take the lead, but Go and Zyla Lubrico failed to convert their attempts as the Lady Falcons held on for the victory.
“You give all the credit to the girls. ‘Yung laban na ‘yun, that fight and that kind of effort, credits to the girls even the ones on the bench,” said Adamson head coach Jed Colonia.
Etang also discussed how she supported teammate Cheska Apag, who was limited to just one minute and 51 seconds of playing time in the first half after picking up three fouls and committing two turnovers.
“Actually, nag-worry din ako kasi siya rin ‘yung kailangan sa team. Pero, as a leader, kailangan mo maging composed eh. So noong na-down siya, ako ang nag-cheer up sa kanya. Hindi puwede sumabay sa kanya, kasi kailangan din ako ng team,” Etang said.
Apag finished with seven points in nearly 13 minutes of action, while Jam Meniano chipped in eight points and six rebounds.
The Lady Falcons will look to extend their winning streak against Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday, October 21, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Nigerian forward Favour Ojo posted a double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds for La Salle, while Go led the Lady Archers with 24 points.
Meanwhile, DLSU, which has now absorbed three consecutive losses, will look to return to the win column when it takes on defending champion University of Santo Tomas, also on October 21.
The Scores
AdU (70) – Etang 25, Meniano 8, Apag 7, Manlimos 7, Mazo 6, Adeshina 4, Limbago 3, Tano 3, Alaba 3, Bajo 2, Burgos 2, Muñoz 0, Cortez 0, Medina 0.
DLSU (68) – Go 24, Ojo 19, Villapando 9, Lubrico 6, Barcierto 2, S. Dizon 2, Villarin 2, Sunga 2, Araza 2, Anastacio 0, A. Dizon 0.
Quarterscores: 15-17, 29-29, 48-49, 70-68
