Coming off a 10-day break, the undersized Adamson University Lady Falcons were able to topple the previously-unbeaten Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 59-55, Wednesday morning at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Falcons had a long break prior to this tilt as their supposed game against the NU Lady Bulldogs was moved to a later date due to Typhoon Ompong. But that did not stop Adamson legend Ewon Arayi.
“Actually, I let them watch mga motivational movies,” disclosed Arayi. “Pinakausap ko rin sa kanila yung old batches ng Adamson, yung 2002 at 2007, para malaman nila kung ano ang feeling ng mga champion. Sabi kasi nila, last championship pa nila nung high school pa sila. If you know that feeling, namomotivate ka e.”
Behind a strong third quarter by third-year center Nathalia Prado and the Lady Falcons, Adamson was able to stifle Claire Castro and the Lady Tamaraws, leading by as much as 16 points, 53-37.
Prado managed to put up 19 points and 12 rebounds while defending 6-foot-5 Clare Castro.
Castro and Valerie Mamaril though could not be contained in the final frame as the duo were able to cut the lead down to just two points, 55-57, with 1:04 remaining. However, three straight turnovers by FEU and free throws from Kath Araja and Tin Camacho sealed the Adamson’s first victory in the UAAP Season 81 Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Castro tallied 19 points, 18 rebounds, and eight blocks while Mamaril added 13 markers
“Nakakatawa e. I’ve been with Claire since the national team,” Erayi shared as she and Castro played for Perlas Pilipinas. “I know how she plays pero lumaki siya e.
“Pero ang point ko sa kanila, is si Jimmy Alapag. Sa kanya nagsimula ang salitang puso. Maliit siya pero malaki ang puso. Malaki si Claire pero kung mas mautak ka, mas matangkad ka e,” she added.
Adamson will next face the UST Growling Tigresses on Monday, September 24 at 11:00am. FEU, on the other hand, takes on the Ateneo Lady Eagles on the same day at 9:00am. Both games will be held at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Scores:
AdU (59) – Prado 20, Araja 9, Camacho 9, Alcoy 6, Aciro 6, Rosario 5, Razalo 2, Bilbao 2, Tandaan 0, Cabug 0, Osano 0.
FEU (55) – Castro 19, Mamaril 13, Bastatas 8, Antiola 5, Taguiam 4, Adriano 3, Quiapo 3, Abat 0, Bahuyan 0, Dugay 0, Hortaleza 0, Payadon 0, Vidal 0.
Quarterscores: 15-18, 29-30, 53-39, 59-55
