ADAMSON University cruised past the University of the East, 67-50, to notch its second straight win in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After opening their campaign with losses to Season 88 finalists University of Santo Tomas and National University, the Lady Falcons bounced back with consecutive victories to improve to 2-2. Meanwhile, the Lady Red Warriors remained winless at 0-3.
Holding a slim 13-10 lead, Adamson closed the opening quarter with a 7-2 run, capped by Trix Burgos’ layup to extend its advantage to eight, 20-12.
The Lady Falcons maintained a double-digit lead for much of the second quarter before UE mounted a 10-2 run, punctuated by Sy Oñate’s triple to cut the deficit to five, 35-30. However, Elaine Etang and Kim Limbago responded with timely baskets to restore Adamson’s eight-point cushion at halftime, 38-30.
Adamson tightened its defense in the third quarter, limiting UE to just 11 points to carry a 12-point advantage into the final frame, 53-41.
The Lady Falcons put the game further out of reach in the fourth quarter, unleashing a 10-2 run capped by Etang’s fast break layup to stretch the lead to 16, 65-49, with just over two minutes remaining.
Nadine Muñoz then put the finishing touches on the victory, converting a layup off Limbago’s inbound pass to seal Adamson’s second consecutive win.
Adamson dominated the boards, outrebounding UE, 54-35. The Lady Falcons also made the most of their transition offense, scoring 16 fast break points compared to just two for the Lady Red Warriors.
Etang led the Lady Falcons with a game-high 15 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, while Muñoz contributed 12 points and three rebounds.
Nigerian big Kemi Adeshima bounced back from a subpar outing in Adamson's previous game against UP with a double-double of 11 points and 16 rebounds.
For UE, Rachel Lacayanga was the lone double-digit scorer with 12 points and five rebounds, while Moana Vacalares added nine points.
