Adamson escaped Far Eastern University, 57-56, to earn its first win in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
After losses to UP and Ateneo, the Lady Falcons leaned on Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 standouts Elaine Etang and Cheska Apag to give new coach Jed Colonia his maiden victory.
‘Lahat ng games namin boiled down to the dying seconds. It’s a great feeling,’ said Colonia. ‘We’ve been giving ourselves chances to win, and it’s the effort and heart in the last few possessions that decide the game.’
Adamson nearly lost a 14-point lead before Apag hit a free throw and Etang buried a clutch triple for a 57-51 edge. FEU answered with free throws and a three-pointer by Victoria Pasilang to cut it to one, but Apag’s steal sealed the win.
Apag finished with 18 points, six steals, five rebounds and two assists. Etang added 12 points, six boards and four assists.
Adamson improved to 1-2, tying FEU for fifth place. The Lady Falcons face defending champion National University next on October 8, still at MOA Arena.
Amyah Espanol and Pasilang had 15 points apiece for FEU, which plays UP on Oct. 12 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.