Rookie Ornopia shines as Adamson routs UP for first streak

Adamson claimed its first winning streak in the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Basketball Tournament, drubbing University of the Philippines, 100-74, Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Rookie Novie Ornopia stepped up to the plate with her 23 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and a block as she played in perfect harmony with Lady Falcon ace Mar Prado, who got herself 20 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, six steals, and one block in the win.

“Novie is one of my best recruits from last year. Sabi ko nga sa kanya, di mo muna matatapatan ang Mar Prado, pero maba-backupan mo si Mar Prado. Gusto ko magkaroon tayo ng Batman and Robin diyan,” said coach Ewon Arayi who was more than happy of her 1-2 punch.

“Kapag hindi kumilos si Mar, meron akong Novie. Good thing naman na by Mar’s guidance sa mga bata, pinagsabay ko silang dalawa and good thing na itong ating beterano, nadala siya.”

The duo was pivotal in Adamson’s second quarter pullaway, dropping 30 points to take a 55-31 halftime lead and cruise to the easy victory to rise to 2-1 and force a triple-tie with UST and FEU at second place.

Kat Araja added 18 points, six steals, four rebounds, and four assists, as Gerl Anticamara had 10 points and four dimes for the Lady Falcons.

UP suffered its third straight defeat this season as its four-year losing streak also continued to 33 straight games.

Jona Lebico topped the Lady Maroons with 19 points and two rebounds, while Stiff Larrosa had 12 points, four boards, and three assists.

The Scores:

ADU 100 –– Ornopia 23, Prado 20, Araja 18, Anticamara 10, Catulong 8, Dampios 8, Bilbao 6, Balane 3, Ea. Alaba 2, Mendoza 2, Ei. Alaba 0, Dela Cruz 0, Dumelod 0, Flor 0, Tandaan 0.

UP 74 — Lebico 19, Larrosa 12, Ordoveza 11, Pesquera 10, Gusilatar 5, Rivera 5, Sanchez 5, Hidalgo 4, De Leon 2, Lucman 1, Taulava 0.

Quarterscores: 25-18, 55-31, 79-55, 100-74.