Ateneo de Manila University stretched its winning run to four games, escaping Adamson University, 76-72, in the UAAP Season 85 women’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
Down by eight, the trio of Victoria Adeshina, Cris Padilla, and Rose Ann Dampios pulled the Lady Falcons within two, 72-74, with 43.5 seconds left in the ball game.
After the Blue Eagles failed to convert on the other end, Adamson went to Adeshina anew but she missed a jumper with 10 seconds to go as Jhazmin Joson iced the game from the line for Ateneo.
“We’re very thankful we were able to survive Adamson. Again, we’re a young team, we’re still learning,” said Blue Eagles coach LA Mumar.
Prized rookie Kacey Dela Rosa returned after missing two games due to illness, tallying a monster double-double of 23 points and 23 rebounds to go with two blocks.
Villacruz was clutch in the fourth with 11 of her 21 points while Junize Calago added nine points.
The Blue Eagles solidified their hold of the fourth spot at 5-3, 1.5 games ahead of closest pursuer University of the Philippines.
“We’re getting better. We’re gonna shoot for that Final Four slot. We’re gonna fight and we’re gonna claw our way,” added Mumar.
The Lady Falcons, on the other hand, saw their skid extend to four matches to fall to 2-6, still at sixth.
Adeshina had 27 points and 14 rebounds in the losing cause while Dampios got 17 points, seven steals, and five rebounds.
Both squads will return on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. Adamson will face the Fighting Maroons at 11 am, while Ateneo will meet National University at 3 pm.
The Scores:
Ateneo 76 — Dela Rosa 23, Villacruz 21, Calago 9, Joson 8, Eufemiano 5, Miranda 4, Makanjoula 4, Nieves 2, Cruza 0.
Adamson 72 — Adeshina 27, Dampios 17, Agojo 10, Flor 6, De la Cruz 2, Etang 2, Ornopia 0, Alaba 0, Catulong 0, Carcallas 0, Tano 0.
Quarterscores: 17-9, 39-27, 56-49, 76-72.
