The Adamson University Lady Falcons kept their hopes for a spot in the final four alive after trouncing the win-hungry University of the East Lady Warriors, 80-68, Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The sweet-shooting duo of Jingky Balasta and Zhalyn Mateo led the charge for the Lady Falcons once more, scoring 22 and 21 respectively, making up for 43 of Adamson’s 80 points.
The feisty Lady Warriors dominated the Falcons in the first quarter, sinking 16 points while holding the offensive-minded Adamson to 10. An Adamson rally in the second quarter led by Mateo would see the Lady Warriors’ defense collapse, leading to the narrow 31-26 edge for the Lady Falcons by halftime.
Though the Lady Warriors would pull together again, the cagers from San Marcelino would retain momentum. With UE’s leading scorer from the first half Eunique Chan showing signs of fatigue, Jingky Balasta would come alive to help Adamson score twenty-five points in the quarter and lead UE 56-43 entering the final period of the ballgame.
The Lady Falcons’ barrage would continue early in the fourth quarter. A three-pointer by Balasta two minutes in the ballgame would put Adamson up by twenty, 65-45. Love Joy Sto. Domingo and Danice Llosala would however keep the fire alive for the Lady Warriors. Though unable to fully stifle Adamson’s offense, the Lady Warriors would manage to cut the Lady Falcons’ lead to single digits, 75-66, in the last minute. Another dagger three from Adamson’s Balasta with little under twenty seconds remaining in the quarter would however seal the win for the Lady Falcons.
Eunique Chan led UE with 21 points and 9 rebounds, while Love Joy Sto. Domingo and Danice Llosala chipped in 13 and 11 respectively.
The Lady Falcons move up to 6-6, while the Lady Warriors fall to 2-10. UE’s last victory in the women’s basketball tournament was in the first round against the Lady Falcons.
Quarter Scoring and Full Time
AdU Â 10 21 Â 25 Â 24 Â Â 80
UE Â Â 16 10 Â 17 Â 25 Â Â 68
