Mar Prado explodes for 40 as Adamson rises to third, dumps UP

ANTIPOLO — Mar Prado erupted for a career-high 40 points and steered the Adamson University Lady Falcons to an 83-50 rout of the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons, Sunday in the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Basketball Tournament at the Ynares Center.

The fourth-year super scorer was on a league of her own, shooting 17-of-36 from the field in the contest. She is only the fourth player to join the 40-point club.

Prado joined the likes of Raiza Palmera (44 points), Allana Lim (45), and Ria Nabalan (40) as the only players to reach that mark.

“Yung goal namin, na-hit niya,” said coach Ewon Arayi of Prado’s superb scoring performance.

Prado didn’t just score, though. She also hauled in eight rebounds, dished out six assists, got four steals, and had one block in 33 minutes of play. All this, while dealing with a sprained ankle suffered before the game.

The 23-year-old powered the Lady Falcons’ pull-away following a tight first half against the Lady Maroons. She then commandeered their 20-7 third quarter assault to establish the 52-35 advantage, and even scored the lay-up with 1:02 left to stretch the lead to its final count at 33.

“Hindi siya nag-bwakaw para makuha yung forty points niya. Dinala pa rin niya ‘yung team,” said Arayi.

Rose Ann Dampios provided support with her 18 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Meanwhile, Lhyn Bilbao got eight points, 11 boards, five steals, and three dimes.

Adamson tighten its grip on the third spot with its 7-4 record.

Rei Sanchez led UP (1-10) with 13 points, four rebounds, and two assists, while Lulu Ordoveza got 10 points and seven boards in the losing cause.

The Scores:

ADU 83 — Prado 40, Dampios 18, Bilbao 8, Flor 8, Araja 6, Mendoza 2, Catulong 1, Ea. Alaba 0, Ei. Alaba 0, Anticamara 0, Balane 0, Dela Cruz 0, Dumelod 0, Ornopia 0.

UP 50 — Sanchez 13, Ordoveza 10, Pesquera 7, Hidalgo 6, Lebico 6, De Leon 3, Lucman 3, Rivera 2, Gonzales 0, Gusilatar 0, Larrosa 0, Taulava 0.

Quarterscores: 17-15, 32-28, 52-35, 83-50.