Adamson University barged into the next phase of the UAAP Women’s Basketball Tournament after surviving De La Salle University, 87-86, Wednesday at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
“Masaya kami na nakuha namin ‘yung unang goal namin, which is to make the Final Four,” said second-year Lady Falcons head coach Ewon Arayi.
Still, the Lady Falcons needed the heroics of Mar Prado to punch their ticket to the next round.
With 14.3 seconds left, Prado was fouled by Bea Dalisay, sending her to the stripe. The 23-year-old senior forward split her charities to give Adamson the lead.
Off a timeout, La Salle tried to set up a play but could not get a shot up due to Adamson’s stingy defense.
“Sabi ko nga sa mga bata, maging composed kayo kahit hinahabol tayo — magtulungan. Thank God, nakapag-cope up naman kami,” Arayi said.
Prado scored 11 of her game-high 26 points in the final frame. She also had 11 rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Lhyn Bilbao added 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Meanwhile, Kat Araja glued things together with 11 points and 11 assists.
Adamson finished with a 9-5 slate for the third seed. It will face Far Eastern University in a knockout match on Wednesday, November 6.
La Salle, on the other hand, bowed out of the tournament with a 7-7 slate.
Rookie Kent Pastrana tried to lift La Salle on her young shoulders, finishing with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists.
Nigerian center Maureen Okoli ended with 16 points and 14 rebounds, while Lee Sario also added 16 markers and two assists.
Benette Revillosa and Vea Malarde took the floor for the last time for the Lady Archers.
The Scores:
AdU 87 – Prado 26, Bilbao 19, Dampios 13, Araja 11, Catulong 6, Flor 6, Ornopia 4, Balane 2, Anticamara 0, Mendoza 0.
DLSU 86 – Pastrana 20, Okoli 16, Sario 16, Revillosa 9, Dalisay 7, Torres 6, Jimenez 2, Binaohan 0, Malarde 0, Paraiso 0, Quingco 0.
Quarterscores: 21-14, 45-35, 65-63, 87-86.
