Adamson University claimed its first win in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Basketball Tournament at the expense of reeling University of the East, 71-41, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Sunday.
The Lady Falcons ended a four-game losing streak, while giving new coach Ryan Monteclaro his first win.
“Of course, in life in general, we always want to win. Winning is something that gives us relief. Ang goal ko naman talaga is to make the team better. May mga struggles pero getting this first win, hopefully ito na yung magiging breakthrough namin,” said Monteclaro, after Adamson moved in a tie with De La Salle University in sixth spots.
Cris Padilla sparked a Lady Falcons second quarter breakaway to enter the half ahead by 16, 36-20.
Adamson continued its surge in the third quarter as Nigeria’s Victoria Adeshina bounced back from her three-point output in the first half with seven points in the period to stretch their lead to 25, 54-29.
“I feel good thanks to my teammates. We’ve been hungry for this win but we just need to do whatever it takes to get this win,” said Adeshina, Adamson’s Nigerian center who finished the game with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and four steals.
Padilla tallied 11 points, three assists, and two steals, while April Tano had nine points from three triples in her nine minutes and 21 seconds on the floor.
Kim Limbago also had an all-around game for the Lady Falcons with six points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.
Adamson will aim to get a winning streak going when it meets Far Eastern University at its home court on Wednesday.
Minslie Paule and Kat Ruiz each made 10 points as UE fell to 0-5 and its 28th consecutive defeat dating back to the first round of Season 82.
Lady Warrior Paulina Anastacio was suspended for the game but was able to play for three minutes and 27 seconds due to a confusion with the table officials. She was suspended due to accumulation of two flagrant fouls.
She committed a flagrant foul against Far Eastern University on October 8 (7:26, second quarter) and against Ateneo de Manila University on October 11 (4:53, third quarter).
After a brief discussion, Anastacio was sent back to the dugout while both teams agreed to play on.
Already without Anastacio, Trixie Burgos also hit the showers early after getting her second unsportsmanlike foul at the 2:03 mark of the fourth quarter.
UE continues its search for a drought-ending win against the reigning champion National University.
The Scores:
Adamson 71 – Adeshina 12, Padilla 11, Tano 9, Alaba 8, Limbago 6, Etang 5, Dumelod 5, Apag 4, Agojo 4, Mazo 3, Calvert 2, Bajo 2, Meniano 0, Cortez 0, Dampios 0.
UE 41 – Paule 10, Ruiz 10, Burgos 6, Pedregosa 6, Kone 4, Lorena 3, Ronquillo 2, Dela Rosa 0, Delig 0, Cruz 0, Yanez 0, Del Carmen 0.
Quarterscores: 22-13, 36-20, 54-29, 71-41.
