Adamson a few games away to gatecrash Final Four as Etang steers Lady Falcons to repeat over pesky UP
Date Posted: October 29, 2024 at 04:21 PM
Elaine Etang delivered crucial baskets down the stretch to help secure a hard-earned 57-54 victory over the University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament, October 27 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The win gave Adamson its second straight victory and a stronger grip on third place with a 7-3 record, placing them two games ahead of Ateneo, who will face UP next.
Adamson’s victory also guaranteed a Final Four spot for the NU Lady Bulldogs, marking them as the first team to secure a playoff berth in the women’s division.
Meanwhile, UP’s playoff chances took a hit, dropping to a 3-6 record with five games remaining in the elimination round.
Adamson head coach Ryan Monteclaro emphasized the importance of each game as the Lady Falcons aim for the Final Four. “We’re telling the team these next three games are critical for our Final Four bid,” he shared.
“With this win, I hope we carry this momentum forward as we get deeper into the season.”
In a tense fourth quarter, Etang and teammate Kem Adeshina extended Adamson’s lead to six with consecutive layups, 53-47. UP’s Achrissa Maw and Kaye Pesquera answered back, closing the gap to 53-51 with just over two minutes remaining. With time winding down, UP’s Pesquera made two clutch free throws, tightening the game to 55-54 with 16.7 seconds left. However, a costly turnover by UP’s Jimenez in the final seconds allowed Adamson to secure the win.
Monteclaro praised the team’s resilience, noting that despite shooting just 18-of-71 from the field, the Lady Falcons maintained their defensive intensity. “We became more aggressive, and it reflected in our defense,” he said.
Etang finished with a game-high 22 points, five steals, four rebounds, and an assist, while Adeshina contributed 15 points on efficient 5-of-9 shooting, with six rebounds and an assist. Supporting efforts came from Agojo and Apag, who contributed defensively despite limited scoring.
The Lady Falcons aim to solidify their standing further when they face University of the East on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at the same venue.
The Scores:
Adamson (57) - Etang 22, Adeshina 15, Agojo 5, Apag 3, Mazo 3, Padilla 3, Alaba 3, Meniano 2, Limbago 1, Ornopia 0, Cortez 0, Bajo 0, Alaba 0.
UP (54) - Lozada 13, Pesquera 9, Maw 9, Ozar 8, Bariquit 5, Jimenez 5, Vingno 2, Sauz 2, Tapawan 1, Mendoza 0, Nolasco 0.
Quarterscores: 13-14, 30-32, 42-43, 57-54.
