Bouncing back from probably their worst defensive outing last Sunday, the University of the East Lady Warriors buckled down, frustrating the Adamson University Lady Falcons in a 70-51 triumph, Wednesday morning at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
“Ang winork out talaga namin kahapon is yung depensa namin at nagbunga naman today,” said UE head coach Aileen Lebornio.
During UE’s 82-79 win over La Salle, Lebornio was greatly disappointed with her team, as they had allowed a season-high 14 triples in the contest. This time around, they only allowed the Lady Falcons to shoot 29 percent from the field.
The Lady Warriors — who finished third last season — went to work during the middle quarters of the game. After allowing 17 points in the first quarter, UE limited Adamson to just 22 combined points in the second and third quarters, to gain a game-high 24-point lead. 63-49.
With the win, UE keep hold of the second spot in the standings with an 11-2 slate, one-and-a-half games ahead of the third-running UST Growling Tigresses.
Ruthlaine Tacula led UE with 13 points while dishing out 12 assists. All-around guard-forward Lovejoy Sto. Domingo had an efficient night as well, with 11 points and 10 rebounds in just 19 minutes of game time.
“Talagang binubuhos niya lahat every game. Last game nagkasakit siya pero lagi niya sinasabi niya na kaya niya,” Lebornio remarked about Sto. Domingo, who sprained her ankle during their win against La Salle.
Christine Cortizano chipped in 10 points as well, while center Bienca Ramos gobbled down 11 boards. UE out-rebounded Adamson in the contest, 60-51, which helped lead to a 17-6 advantage in second chance points.
Kristeena Camacho was the sole Lady Falcon who scored in double-digits with 10 points. Jamie Alcoy was limited to just nine points on a horrid 4-for-17 clip, while double-double machine Nathalia Prado finished with just three points and seven rebounds.
UE take on the National University Lady Bulldogs in their final outing in the elimination round on Saturday, November 11, at the Filoil Flying V Centre. Adamson finish their season with a 6-8 slate. The Lady Falcons are hoping that the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws lose their final two games to keep their Final Four chances alive.
The Scores:
UE (70) – Tacula 13, Sto. Domingo 11, Cortizano 10, Chan 8, Ramos 8, Francisco 7, Requiron 6, Gayacao 4, Ebeza 3, Bobis 0, Borromeo 0, Nama 0, Pedregosa 0.
ADU (51) – Camacho 10, Alcoy 9, Araja 8, Lacson 5, Razalo 5, Tacitac 4, Cabug 3, Prado 3, Ramillano 2, Villanueva 2, Aciro 0, Cacho 0, Gaite 0, Rosario 0.
Quarterscores: 19-17, 43-28, 63-39, 70-51.
