Upset-seeking Lady Falcons fall short vs reigning champs
Date Posted: September 16, 2024 at 03:31 PM
Photo: UAAP Media Team
The Lady Falcons surrendered a closely contested match against reigning champions University of Santo Tomas, 55-58, in the UAAP 87 Women’s Basketball Tournament on September 15 at the Adamson University Gymnasium in San Marcelino.
Adamson was leading 55-48 when the Tigresses unleashed a 10-0 barrage late in the fourth to steal the game from the San Marcelino-based squad.
“We were hoping, actually, na we can make an upset, but then again, may mga breaks of the game and it boils down to maturity,” AdU head coach Ryan Monteclaro said about his team’s performance.
“We have some players na, I think, very uncharacteristic sa kanila yung ilang turnovers and yung mga miscues, but then again, it’s part of the long process, and for us, it’s trying to get better day by day.”
UST’s run actually followed Adamson’s 9-0 burst off crucial baskets from Cheska Apag, Cris Padilla, and Kemi Adeshina.
The Lady Falcons were in control in the first half as their defense stood against UST and Padilla’s three-point bombs. They even ended the second quarter with a 5-0 spurt to erect a 35-28 lead.
The Tigresses then came roaring back in the third with former MVP Eka Soriano converting on her triples. Still, back-to-back three-point hits from Padilla and Elaine Etang arrested the skid for the Lady Falcons to end the third at 46 apiece.
Monteclaro, though, admitted that he was a little frustrated by the game’s result.
“To be honest, I’m a bit frustrated… kasi these players deserve the win. With what they showed, they deserved to win that game,” he said, lauding his wards’ performance and their “pride” in playing for Adamson.
Padilla led the Lady Falcons with 19 points, while Etang added 11. Kemi Adeshina had 11 rebounds and two blocks despite scoring only three markers.
Apag, Angela Alaba, and Kath Agojo added six points apiece for another balanced scoring performance for the San Marcelino squad.
They aim to bounce back this Saturday, September 21, against the Ateneo Blue Eagles at the Araneta Coliseum.
