Adamson University closed its UAAP Season 86 Women’s Basketball campaign on a high note, overcoming Far Eastern University, 71-60, on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Falcons snapped a three-game losing streak to finish the elimination round with a 4-10 record in sixth place, which was identical to their standing last season but with one less win.
“This season was about getting better and buying into what system we wanted to achieve,” said first-year Lady Falcons head coach Ryan Monteclaro.
“Obviously, yung first round namin, more on familiarization. In the second round, we were able to see yung identity ng team.”
From a slender five-point lead at halftime, Kim Limbago, Etang, and Padilla’s back-to-back threes erected a 47-32 cushion for the Lady Falcons with 2:58 to go in the third quarter.
Adamson remained in control of the game in the fourth quarter.
The quartet of Francine Meniano, Elaine Etang, Victoria Adeshina, and gave the Lady Falcons their biggest lead at 69-49 to ice the game with 2:20 remaining in their season.
It was a joyous end for Adamson this marked the second time it beat FEU this season, also prevailing 71-50 last October 18 in the first round.
Cris Padilla and Elaine Etang led Adamson with 18 and 12 points each.
Cheska Apag had 10 points, six rebounds, and three assists while Nigerian center Victoria Adeshina scored 10 points and seized seven rebounds
Lady Falcons captain Rose Ann Dampios, whom Monteclaro revealed played with a partial ACL tear this season, is the only graduating student-athlete from Adamson this year.
“We’re really upbeat, we’re really excited,” said Monteclaro. “We have 15 eligible players for next year. We have some players on the B team. It’s going to be a tough one because sabi nga, this year was tough because we had to put five players sa Team B.
“First time nagkaroon ng surplus ng players sa women’s namin. It’s gonna be a healthy competition in a way. Hopefully, we can land some special recruits to help us also,” he continued.
On the other hand, the Lady Tamaraws, who started the season with a 2-1 slate, ended their campaign in seventh place with a 3-11 record and a six-game losing streak.
On the other hand, Josee Kaputu closed her stellar rookie year with FEU with 25 points and 20 rebounds.
Julie Manguiat contributed 13 points on the back of 3-of-5 three-point shooting.
Mikee Antonio is the only graduating player for FEU this season.
The Scores:
AdU 71 – Padilla 18, Etang 12, Apag 10, Adeshina 10, Limbago 8, Meniano 4, Dampios 3, Alaba 3, Mazo 2, Agojo 1, Bajo 0, Tano 0, Cortez 0, Carcallas 0.
FEU 60 – Kaputu 25, Manguiat 13, Salvani 6, Del Prado 5, Dela Torre 5, Delos Santos 2, Antonio 2, Ong 2, Aquino 0, Paras 0, Cabahug 0, Pasilang 0, Nagma 0.
Quarterscores: 13-13, 33-28, 50-39, 71-60.
