MANILA – Adamson University moved closer to a third straight Final Four appearance after routing De La Salle University, 76-57, in the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
Elaine Etang led the Lady Falcons with 22 points, powering the team to its eighth win in 13 games.
Adamson, which improved on its 7-7 record last season, will seek to secure a semifinal berth against defending champion University of Santo Tomas at the SM Mall of Asia Arena at noon on Nov. 25.
“For me, this game was all about heart and pride, and whoever is more willing to win this game. I am very proud of my teammates because their effort was incredible – I really appreciated it, and the coaches’ efforts too,” said Etang, who also had four assists and three steals.
Cheska Apag contributed 15 points, five rebounds, and eight steals before leaving the game with 7:04 remaining in the third quarter after hurting herself in a collision with Zyla Lubrico during a loose-ball play.
Kemi Adeshina added 11 points and six rebounds, while Jam Meniano had 10 points, nine rebounds, and three assists for the Lady Falcons, who built a 53-31 halftime lead.
“I am really happy, especially with their personal growth from last season to this season. They really bought into the system, and they really gel with each other, and they really stuck with what we have, and what we brought in as coaches,” Adamson head coach Jed Colonia said.
“I am really happy as a coach. What we dreamed of or what we foresee in the past, this is it,” he added.
Bukko Ojo posted 14 points and 18 rebounds, while Kyla Sunga added 12 points for La Salle, which will face the University of the Philippines at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at 10 a.m. on Nov. 22. (PNA)
