ADAMSON locked up its Final Four spot as it pulverized Ateneo, 80-65 in the UAAP Season 81 women's basketball tournament Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Mariz Cacho and Mar Prado led the Lady Falcons' attack as the duo set the tone in the second quarter before Jamie Alcoy joined the party in the third period pullaway from a 40-32 lead to a commanding 66-48 advantage.
Cacho was on fire with her six treys to collect 20 points, six rebounds, and two assists, while Prado got 20 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block.
Alcoy added 11 points, three assists, two boards, and two steals in the victory.
The win brought Adamson up to 9-5, and can still force a playoff for the second-seed if defending champion NU (13-0) beats FEU (9-4).
For coach Ewon Arayi, the playoff berth is already an achievement for her girls especially on her first year at the helm.
"Ang goal ko lang is pasok yung mga bata na ito sa Final Four. Sabi ko nga, this is just my first year, kahit fourth spot okay na. Pero yung adjustment ng team at adjustments ko sa team, buti na lang gumana at tinrabaho ng mga bata ito," she said.
"From bench to my starters, talagang tinrabaho nila. Sabi ko nga, ito yung hinahanap ko na team, na puro fighters. Naglalaro sila para sa school, para sa pamilya nila, at para sa Diyos."
Cara Buendia led the fight for the Lady Eagles with 15 points, three rebounds, and two assists, as Joanne Nimes got 15.
Katrina Guytingco also had 10 points, four rebounds, and two assists for Ateneo, which exited the tourney at sixth place with its 4-10 card.
The Scores:
ADAMSON 80 -- Cacho 20, Prado 20, Alcoy 11, Araja 9, Bilbao 8, Rosario 5, Camacho 3, Razalo 2, Aciro 2, Cabug 0, Osano 0, Tandaan 0.
ATENEO 65 -- Buendia 15, Nimes 15, Guytingco 10, Go 7, Villamor 6, Cancio 5, Chu 3, Joson 2, Quirante 2, Newsome 0, Moslares 0, Miranda 0, Payac 0, Gino-gino 0, De Dios 0, Aquisap 0.
Quarters: 16-14, 40-32, 66-48, 80-65.
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