By MARK REY MONTEJO
Ateneo and Adamson collide for one last time as the stepladder semis in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament begins Sunday, Nov. 30, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Blue Eagles (8-6) and the Lady Falcons (7-7), who split their first two encounters in the elims, are expected to pour it all in their 10:30 a.m. duel, just after the 8:30 a.m. clash between Far Eastern University-Diliman and Adamson in the 16U division.
Awaiting for No. 3 Ateneo and No. 4 Adamson is No. 2 seed and reigning champion National University, which is looking forward for a title rematch with the unblemished Finals-bound University of Santo Tomas.
Ateneo, which settled for fourth spot in the last three editions, succumbed in their last two contests, including a 71-77 loss to Adamson last weekend.
And it could be a great motivation for the LA Mumar-guided squad, knowing its past setback showed what they are lacking of and what they need to improve in their do-or-die duel.
“However, I think we thrive in adversity, and I think the girls will be ready by Sunday. We’ll either win or we’ll learn. Hopefully, na-strike 1, strike-2 kami with the loss to Adamson and La Salle,” said Ateneo head coach LA Mumar.
“But the most important thing that I told the girls after this game is that if we come out blazing on Sunday, no one will remember these last two losses. We’re gonna come back, and we’re gonna play our best basketball on Sunday,” he added.
Adamson head coach Jed Colonia hopes his wards will exert more effort particularly in the paint as Kacey Dela Rosa, who missed the Eagles’ first game against the Falcons, is anticipated to dominate the paint.
“Big ‘E,’ effort lang talaga. Kahit sa mga rebounds, effort lang. I know we’re outrebounded against Ateneo, pero those are things na nagawan naman namin ng paraan compared to the first round,” said Colonia.
‘Yon yung isa sa adjustments namin na sinabi ko sa kanila sa training na if we control the rebounds or keep close sa rebounding game, malaki chance namin manalo. On the offensive side, pure execution. Effort, execution,” he added.
Dela Rosa and Sarah Makanjoula banner the Eagles’ interior, while Hannah Lopez, Gracie Batongbakal, and Sandra Villacruz headline the backcourt, while Elaine Etang, Kemi Adeshina, and Cheska Apag lead Adamson’s attack.
In 16U’s own stepladder, the Baby Tamaraws and Baby Falcon tangle once again with the prevailing team facing the second-seeded UST Tigers Cubs side.
The NU-Nazareth School Bullpups have already booked an outright finals ticket after sweeping their elimination assignments.
