Adamson stuns fancied La Salle in women's basketball

c/o UAAP

ADAMSON University stunned De La Salle University, 65-54, for back-to-back wins in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament, Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Falcons, who only defeated the lower-ranked teams Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws and the University of the East Lady Warriors last season, improved to 2-0.

“I want to commend the players with the tight schedule, we only had two days to prepare and they bought into what we wanted to do for La Salle, the girls responded well,” said Adamson head coach Ryan Monteclaro.

La Salle rallied back in the third frame after falling behind 19-33 in the second, tying things up at 35 with 6:07 to go on an Arabell Bacierto triple.

However, Adamson restored its advantage as Elaine Etang, Jam Meniano, and Brianna Bajo led a strong finish in the third quarter for a new 11-point lead heading in the fourth, 48-37.

Kat Agojo put the Lady Falcons’ lead up to 15, 52-37, after opening the payoff period on back-to-back baskets.

Etang, who was part of Gilas Women's 3x3 pool that competed in the FIBA 3x3 Nations League, led the charge with 15 points, five rebounds, and five steals.

“Ilang season na akong naglalaro lagi kaming hindi nananalo. Minotivate ko ‘yung sarili ko na gagawin ko ‘yung best ko para manalo. Ayokong laging nandito sa posisyon na ito,” said the fourth-year Agojo, who made 12 points and five rebounds.

Cris Padilla added nine points, three rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while Cheska Apag and Meniado also got six points each.

Lee Sario tallied 12 points, eight rebounds, and four assists against five turnovers as the Lady Archers dropped to 0-2.

Tricia Mendoza also added 10 points and nine rebounds in the losing cause, which committed 31 turnovers.

Both teams will be back on Sunday at the Adamson Gym.

Adamson will go for 3-0 on its home court against the defending champion University of Santo Tomas at 11:30 a.m. while La Salle shoots for its first win at 1:30 p.m. against Ateneo de Manila University.

The Scores:

AdU 65 – Etang 15, Agojo 12, Padilla 9, Apag 6, Meniano 6, Alaba 5, Limbago 4, Adeshina 4, Mazo 2, Bajo 2, Cortez 0, Alaba 0, Ornopia 0.

DLSU 54 – Sario 12, Mendoza 10, Paraiso 7, Camba 6, Dela Paz 5, San Juan 5, Dalisay 4, Bacierto 3, Sunga 2, Delos Reyes 0, Villava-Cua 0, Rodriguez 0.

Quarterscores: 9-11, 33-23, 48-37, 65-54