Lady Tamaraws dismantle Lady Falcons to renew final four bid

The Far Eastern University kept their bid for a final four berth alive, after dismantling a late game comeback by the Adamson University Lady Falcons, 66-62, Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Far Eastern University he game opened to a slow start in the first quarter, with both teams managing to only sink one basket each in the first five minutes. A three-pointer by Ana Valenzona would mark the Lady Tams’ first basket with 5:30 on the clock. However, it was FEU who would go on to dominate the quarter despite the slow start, outscoring Adamson 13-8 to close out the quarter. The Lady Falcons’ scoring woes would continue well into the second quarter, unable to find a way compete with FEU in the paint, with the statuesque duo of Claire Castro and April Siat manning the post. With Adamson also unable to find their touch with the outside jumper, the Tamaraws would escape with a comfortable 34-24 edge at half time.

The Lady Falcons’ scoring woes would continue in the third quarter, with FEU managing to dominate every zone to deny Adamson the easy basket. The Lady Tamaraws would hold the Lady Falcons to another dismal quarter output of nine points, while scoring 17 themselves to take a 51-33 lead heading into the final period.

Baskets by FEU’s Ana Valenzona to open the fourth quarter would put FEU up comfortably 55-33. However, a reignited Adamson would finally pull together, finding their touch at the outside jumper. With FEU’s defense slowly unraveled, Adamson would suddenly find themselves trailing by only ten points, 50-60, after a floater by Osano with three and a half minutes remaining on the clock. A basket in the next play by FEU’s Claire Castro would put the Lady Tamaraws back up by twelvee, 62-50, but Adamson, still fired up, would manage to trim the lead to 62-54 by the final minute, after forcing FEU to a couple of fouls. An undaunted Adamson would continue to force FEU to consecutive errors, with a three-point play by Josephine Ong off a an offensive rebound from a split free throw opportunity by Jinky Balsta would trim the score to 63-58 with little less than twenty-four seconds remaining on the clock. An undaunted Adamson would manage to trim the score to 66-62, just as the buzzer expired.

Ana Valenzona led FEU with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Jesusa Avila and Thea Amper meanwhile led Adamson with 13 points apiece. The Lady Tams climb to 6-5 and solo fourth in the standings, while Adamson fall to 5-6.