In a battle of two also-rans in the UAAP Season 85 Women’s Basketball Tournament, Adamson University enjoyed a lopsided 82-59 win over University of the East, Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Adamson snapped a two-game losing streak and improved its record to 4-8 while UE’s worsened to 0-12.
Up by as much as 22 points in the first half, the Lady Falcons saw their cushion go down as low as 57-52 after a three by a Minslie Paule three with 26.3 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
However, Adamson executed a 21-5 run capped off by a Rose Dampios lay-up to lead 80-57 with 1:02 left in the contest.
“For me, hindi magandang statement for our two remaining games given the fact na last game namin National University,” said Adamson interim coach Brian Gorospe. “May ultimate goal pa rin kami kahit sabihin natin na malabo pero everything is possible. Kaya kung ganyan ang lalaruin namin, baka ngayon pa lang mawala na yung chance na yun.”
Victoria Adeshina led the Lady Falcons with 20 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and two assists while Dampios contributed 16 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five steals.
Lesli Flor also had eight points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals for Adamson. Angela Alaba had eight points as well for the Lady Falcons.
Adamson’s defense proved key as it forced UE to make 36 turnovers, which led to 35 points. The Lady Falcons also converted 8-of-31 from the three-point line compared to the Lady Warriors’ 2-of-17.
“Talagang defense will be our specialty. Kahit anong gawin namin sho-moot ng sho-moot diyan tapos yung kalaban namin sho-shoot din, it’s useless. We really need to make a good execution ng offense tapos a good execution ng aming defense,” added Gorospe.
“Nawala yung aggressiveness namin on running back the defense kaya nabutasan kami ng nabutasan. Good thing na lang we came up very quick sa adjustment,” the first-year Lady Falcons head coach continued.
Kamba Kone led UE with 18 points, 16 rebounds, six steals, and two assists while Joyce Terrinal and Paule chipped in 15 points each with the latter seizing eight rebounds.
Both teams will return to action on Wednesday at the same venue.
UE goes up against Ateneo de Manila University at 1:00 PM while Adamson takes on Far Eastern University at 3:00 PM.
The Scores:
Adamson (82) – Adeshina 20, Dampios 16, Flor 8, Alaba Angela 8, Padilla 6, Agojo 6, Tano 6, Meniano 4, Catulong 4, Carcallas 2, Etang 2, Ornopia 0, Alaba Angeline 0, Dumelod 0, De La Cruz 0.
UE (59) – Kone 18, Terrinal 15, Paule 15, Gervacio 5, Lorena 3, Silva 3, Sajol 0, Nama 0, Caraig 0, Tinio 0, Delig.
Quarterscores: 25-17, 45-32, 59-52, 82-59.
