Mar Prado and the Adamson Lady Falcons have been on a tear during the second round of the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Basketball Tournament. They then picked up third seed in the stepladder, finishing with a 9-5 record capped by an 87-86 win over La Salle last October 30.
According to Prado, the Lady Falcons’ change in demeanor during the second round was due to them wanting to make it to the Final Four for the second straight year.
“I think one of the factor kung bakit maganda ‘yung laro namin nun second round is napag-aralan na din namin ‘yung moves ng bawat opponent, and na-boost na din ni coach [Ewon Arayi] ‘yung confidence namin,” said senior Mar Prado, who averaged a league-high 22.92 points to go along with 10.77 rebounds, 3.46 steals, and 2.23 assists during the elims.
“We also have one goal and that is to enter the Final Four. I think naging sobrang motivated din kami to reach that goal.”
For her part, the 23-year-old native of San Carlos City, Pangasinan embraced her role as the team’s leader both on and off the court. Admittedly, she shared that she became more patient after being a hot-head during her first three years in San Marcelino.
“This season I can say that I am more focused and matured when it comes to basketball and the team. Unlike the other years na medyo dependent pa ako sa mga veterans, ngayon kasi apat na lang kami na veterans so we need to lead the team,” said the member of the All-UAAP Season 82 team.
“I need to show them how to play brave, [but] not to the point na kailangan makasakit ka ng other player.”
Everything they have accomplished this season will all go for naught, though, if Adamson fail to defeat Far Eastern University in the knockout playoffs on Sunday.
After suffering a 73-67 loss to the Lady Tamaraws in the first round, Prado and the Lady Falcons showed that Clare Castro can be stopped in their second round encounter, taking a 61-59 victory.
And at the Big Dome on Sunday, they plan to prove that it was no fluke, as Prado looks for that signature win over Castro.
“Honestly, Ate Clare is a threat, kasi siya ang heart and soul ng FEU. But I think kung susunod kami sa sistema ni coach Ewon, nothing is impossible. We can be David that beat Goliath.”
