By MARK REY MONTEJO
Adamson bucked a slow start to get back at La Salle, 78-70, and bolster its Final Four bid in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Wednesday, Nov. 19.
Cheska Apag spearheaded the Lady Falcons’ mighty assault in a performance that rubbed off on her teammates, who responded well after they were all given ample time to shine.
While the second stringers connived for 43 points, Apag still led the Lady Falcons with 19 points on top of seven rebounds, six assists, and four steals as the San Marcelino-based squad improved to 6-7 win-loss record for solo fourth, slightly ahead of FEU (5-7).
La Salle, on the other hand, dropped to 4-8, as it failed to replicate its 53-52 triumph in the first-round encounter last Oct. 22.
Apart from Apag, Kemi Adeshina shone as she flirted with a double-double after listing 17 points and nine rebounds on top of two assists, and three steals. Elaine Etang posted 12 points, four rebounds, eight assists, and one steal.
Cris Padilla and Angela Alaba chipped in nine and eight points, respectively, for Adamson.
Pau Anastacio and Luisa Dela Paz led La Salle with 19 and 10 points which all went for naught.
Meanwhile, Adamson unleashed the full might of its offense to score a massive 84-38 win over La Salle-Zobel to strengthen its hold of No. 4 spot as well as its Final Four hopes.
The Baby Falcons roared to a commanding 62-26 advantage and never looked back as they handed DLSZ its 12th straight loss.
Uno Del Monte led Adamson with 17 points, two rebounds, and five assists, while Kyle Abas and Fran Flores added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Earlier, Ateneo rediscovered its form and romped to a 76-60 win over University of the Philippines-Integrated School to snap its six-game losing skid in the division.
JD Juangco erupted with 29 points which went with eight rebounds and one assist, to help the Blue Eagles improve their card to 3-9, while Domeng Ngo backstopped him with 12 points.
