UST conquers Adamson, books UAAP Finals rematch vs NU

Defending champion University of Santo Tomas eliminated the Adamson Lady Falcons, 71-59, on Wednesday, December 4, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena to forge a best-of-three UAAP Season 87 championship series with seven-time champions National University Lady Bulldogs.

“It is a total team effort. At the end of the day, our defense dictated our game against Adamson,” UST head coach Haydee Ong said in Filipino. “This game also showed the things we need to work on ahead of the finals.”

After falling behind by double digits in the second quarter, the Lady Falcons sprinted to a 15-2 run to take control and grabbed a 37-35 lead at the half. 

Adamson kept attacking the cold-shooting UST early in the second half before the Tigresses put up a 13-3 blitz to conclude the third quarter and restore momentum on their way to the game-winning victory. 

Kent Pastrana top scored for the Tigresses, producing 23 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists. 

“We just had to do what it took for us to go to the Finals. We want to go back-to-back,” said Pastrana.

CJ Maglupay backstopped Pastrana’s efforts with 13 markers and 11 boards, while Brigette Santos and Tacky Tacatac contributed 10 points apiece.

Meanwhile, Elaine Etang and Kem Adeshina registered 14 each in the losing cause.

The finals series between UST and NU will begin on Sunday, December 8, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Scores:

UST 71 – Pastrana 23, Maglupay 13, Santos 10, Tacatac 10, Ambos 7, Danganan 4, Sierba 4, Soriano 0, Bron 0, Amatong 0, Pescador 0, Relliquette 0.

Adamson 59 – Etang 12, Adeshina 12, A. Alaba 9, Apag 7, Agojo 6, Bajo 4, Limbago 4, Padilla 3, Manlimos 2, Meniano 0, Ornopia 0, E. Alaba 0, Mazo 0.

Quarter Scores: 21-12, 35-37, 56-48, 71-59