UAAP: Ateneo women get back at Adamson to stay in Final 4 hunt

MANILA — Ateneo de Manila University scored a crucial 70-52 triumph over Adamson University in the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball tournament, Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

It was a vengeful win for the Blue Eagles, who had lost 79-70 to Adamson in the first round. The result also hiked their record to 4-5 and kept alive their hopes of making the Final 4 in Kacey dela Rosa’s last season with the team.

“Start pa lang ng second round, mindset namin we need to win all games. Unfortunately, ‘di kami nakalusot sa [National University], but for now, we’re happy for the win, and we have five more games,” said head coach PJ Navarro.

Seng Calago spearheaded the Blue Eagles with a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds, to go with seven assists and a steal.

Dela Rosa also posted a double-double despite being hampered by foul trouble, finishing with 18 points, 11 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.

The Lady Falcons mounted a second-quarter fightback after falling behind by as many as 14 points, closing out the first half with a 14-3 run to knot the game at 35-all.

Ateneo, however, regained control in the third quarter, rebuilding its 14-point cushion behind an impressive three-point shooting display from Kai Oani, Alyssa Rodriguez, and Calago to take a 53-39 lead.

Ateneo sustained its hot outside shooting in the final frame, stretching its advantage to as much as 21 points while limiting Adamson to just seven points in the fourth quarter.

Oani was the other Blue Eagle to finish in double figures, contributing 11 points on three-of-four shooting from beyond the arc.

Meanwhile, Adamson slipped to 4-4 and is now tied with the UP Fighting Maroons for fourth place in the standings.

Elaine Etang paced the Lady Falcons with 12 points, six steals, four rebounds, and four assists, while Angeline Alaba chipped in 11 points and six rebounds in the losing effort.

Ateneo (70) – Calago 23, Dela Rosa 18, Oani 11, Rodriguez 8, Makanjoula 6, De Luna 4, Cruza 0, Subejano 0, H. Lopez 0, Udal 0, Hagedorn 0, L. Lopez 0.

AdU (52) – Etang 12, Alaba 11, Meniano 9, Apag 8, Adeshina 6, Burgos 4, Limbago 1, Villaester 1, Muñoz 0, Bajo 0, Manlimos 0, Medina 0, Tano 0, Cortez 0, Mazo 0.

Quarterscores: 21-14, 35-35, 53-45, 70-52