Adamson University inched closer to its first Final Four appearance since Season 82, cruising past also-ran University of the East, 66-48, on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Falcons now hold an 8-3 record, solidifying third place and putting them within reach of postseason contention.
Currently ahead of Ateneo (5-5) and UP (3-6) in the standings, Adamson will clinch a Final Four berth if UP loses to Ateneo later today.
However, if UP pulls off an upset, the Lady Falcons will need to defeat the NU Lady Bulldogs in their next match to ensure a spot in the semifinals.
“The school will remember you with the legacy you are going to leave. They care about who you are, but it’s about the legacy you’re gonna leave when you leave Adamson,” said Adamson head coach Ryan Monteclaro. “I know 10 years from now or 15 years from now, they’re gonna look at themselves na we made it despite going to the season ranked seventh or eighth.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Adamson’s balanced offense came to life in the third quarter, led by Elaine Etang, Kim Limbago, Cris Padilla, and Cheska Apag, who linked up for a 14-6 run.
This stretch transformed a narrow 35-31 lead into a 49-37 advantage heading into the final period, while Malienne center Kamba Kone was UE’s only scorer during that span.
Padilla’s three-point shooting in the fourth quarter extended the lead to a game-high 19 points, sealing the win and mirroring Adamson’s 63-51 victory over UE in their first-round matchup on October 6.
“To be honest, I’m not really impressed with how we played today,” Monteclaro admitted. “For a team trying to get to that level, you always try to challenge your team. I’m not taking away the fact that UE has a good program, but again, we are looking for the position to get into the Final Four.”
Padilla, the inaugural UAAP girls’ basketball MVP, had her season-best performance, scoring 17 points on 4-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc and adding three steals, two rebounds, and two assists.
Etang contributed a well-rounded game with 12 points, seven assists, four rebounds, and one steal, while Apag chipped in nine points, five rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Kem Adeshina also provided support with seven points, seven rebounds, three steals, and one assist.
The Lady Falcons now prepare for a pivotal clash against unbeaten National University on Sunday, November 10, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
For UE, Kone’s double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds was in vain as the Lady Warriors suffered their sixth straight loss, leaving them at the bottom of the standings with a 1-9 record.
Teammate Ganade tallied 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting, along with eight assists, four steals, and two rebounds but struggled with 10 turnovers.
Lacayanga nearly recorded a double-double with eight points, nine rebounds, two steals, and one assist.
The Lady Warriors aim to end their losing streak against Far Eastern University on Sunday, November 3, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Scores:
AdU 66 – Padilla 17, Etang 12, Apag 9, Adeshina 7, E. Alaba 5, Limbago 5, Ornopia 4, Mazo 3, Meniano 2, Agojo 2, Bajo 0, Manlimos 0, A. Alaba 0, Cortez 0, Delos Santos 0, Trabado 0.
UE 48 – Kone 18, Ganade 10, Lacayanga 8, Vacalares 4, Lumibao 4, Buscar 2, Yanez 2, Guillim 0, Cruz 0, Ronquillo 0.
Quarterscores: 19-8, 31-24, 49-37, 66-48
