Adamson University survived a determined, also-ran University of the East, escaping 71-66 to keep its slim Final Four hopes alive in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Falcons snapped a three-game losing streak to improve their record to 3-7 in seventh place — 3.5 games behind fourth-running Ateneo Blue Eagles.
The victory came after the Lady Falcons showed that they could pull through in the game’s dying moments.
“I think these kinds of games will help us to gain more experience will help us to gain more experience in grind-out games,” said first-year Lady Falcons head coach Ryan Monteclaro.
“Kudos to UE. Galing ng adjustment. In the first round, we were able to beat them by 30 points, pero today grabe yung adjustments nila. These types of games are the things that we need moving forward,” Monteclaro continued, recalling their 71-41 victory in the first round last October 15.
After UE’s Paulina Anastacio scored free throws to trim the deficit to 65-64 with 1:58 to go, the Lady Warriors failed to turn the tide after Malienne center Kamba Kone committed a costly turnover.
The Lady Falcons then took full advantage of the situation. Victoria Adeshina and Apag linked up in the clutch to deliver the win for Adamson by giving their team a precious 69-64 cushion with 1:15 remaining.
Minslie Paule then opened the door slightly for a UE miracle by converting two free throws to make it 69-66, only for Adeshina to put the game to bed for Adamson with another clutch basket with 15.6 seconds left on the clock.
“At first, I would like to say don’t ever underestimate any of your opponents,” said Adeshina, who finished the game with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and two steals.
“We were cold in the first half. We were really struggling in this game. But all glory belongs to God,” the UAAP Season 85 Mythical Team member continued.
Cheska Apag led Adamson’s return to its winning ways with 19 points, three assists, three steals, and two blocks.
Elaine Etang and Angela Alaba also contributed 11 and 10 points respectively for Adamson.
Adamson will look to stay in the Final Four race as it faces Ateneo this Wednesday at 9:00 AM at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Meanwhile, this was the Lady Warriors’ 33rd straight loss, falling to 0-10 for the season.
The Lady Warriors last tasted victory on September 21, 2019 — a 68-66 win against the UP Fighting Maroons at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Kone had her best game this season with 14 points, 15 rebounds, two steals, and a block. Meanwhile, Dianne Pedregosa flirted with a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds.
UE will go up against University of Santo Tomas this Wednesday at 3:00 PM at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
AdU 71 – Apag 19, Etang 11, Adeshina 10, Alaba 10, Limbago 7, Bajo 4, Meniano 4, Dampios 2, Dumelod 2, Padilla 2, Agojo 0, Cortez 0, Tano 0.
UE 66 – Kone 14, Pedregosa 11, Dela Rosa 9, Burgos 8, Anastacio 7, Paule 7, Ruiz 5, Lorena 3, Ronquillo 2, Delig 0, Yanez 0.
Quarterscores: 16-13, 37-30, 49-51, 71-66.
