The Adamson University Lady Falcons breathed new life into their UAAP Season 79 Women’s Basketball Tournament campaign with a come from behind 66-62 victory above the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses.
Kaye Pingol led the Lady Falcons with 18 points and 5 rebounds. Pingol was followed by Nathalia Prado who produced 17 points and 8 rebounds today in the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“We cannot break their five-point barrier. Sabi ko sa kanila if we can break those five points na lamang nila lagi sa atin, makakahabol tayo. Nung nakalamang na kami, dun na nagsimula. Naging resilient na ang mga bata sa defense,” commented Adamson mentor Mike Fermin.
After three quarters, UST led 51-43 over Adamson. It was in the final two minutes of the fourth period when the Lady Falcons soared above the Growling Tigresses.
Baskets from Prado and Pingol brought the Lady Falcons within 61-62 beneath the Growling Tigresses. A costly UST turnover followed and two free throws converted by April Cabug gave Adamson a 63-62 lead with only 1:31 left in the game.
Prado then slotted home a free throw to give provide Adamson a 64-62 cushion. UST could have leveled the scores moments later courtesy of Sofia Felisarta, but she missed both freebies.
Possession was then in Adamson’s hands, yet they failed to add to their tally and the ball was turned over. In the sequence of play, Prado fouled Jhenn Angeles to give the latter two free throws.
Fortunately for Adamson, Angeles missed both and Pingol was then fouled as a means to save time. With just 2.3 seconds left, Pingol directed both home as Adamson ended up winning 66-62 at UST’s expense.
“Sobrang sama talaga nung game ng Adamson nung first half. Second half ang usapan lang namin is to play defense muna kasi UST were getting away with every shot na gusto nila. Kailangan ma-stop lang namin. One stop at a time ang usapan namin sa half-time,” narrated Fermin.
What made Adamson win today were their field goal and free throw percentages. The Lady Falcons shot better with 42.31 percent as the Growling Tigresses only had 30.99 percent.
When it came to free throws, Adamson made 55.88 percent and UST only had 46.15 percent.
This game was Adamson’s (3-4) last assignment for the first round. On the other hand, UST (2-4) closes the first round with a game against National University on October 8, 10:00 AM at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Coming to the second round, just be consistent lang. Yun lang ang gusto namin mangyari sa amin and just continue to improve every game lang,” Fermin concluded.
The Scores:
AdU (66) – Pingol 18, Prado 17, Camacho 7, Lacson 6, Cabug 5, Razalo 5, Osano 2, Alcoy 2, Dampios 2, Araja 1, Aciro 1.
UST (62) – Anies 13, Larosa 11, Penaflor 10, Magdaluyo 7, Angeles 5, Gandalla 5, Felisarta 4, Capilit 3, Jerez 2, Rivera 2, Portillo 0, Aujero 0, Manuel 0.
Quarterscores: 9-13, 27-35, 43-51, 66-62.
