The undermanned DLSU Lady Archers were unable to persevere until the end in a futile 78-70 loss to the AdU Lady Falcons in their UAAP Women’s Basketball Round Two clash. The match was marked by physicality and resolve, with both teams looking to secure a Final Four berth earlier today, November 19, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Taft-based squad was led by Pau Anastacio, tying the game-high with 19 points and three steals, while Luisa Dela Paz contributed 10 points in their defeat.
On the other side of the hardwood court was Cheska Apag, notching 19 points, and Kemi Adeshina, bagging 17 points.
Game of runs
The match began with physicality as fouls and free throws became the game’s narrative early on. Both squads went back and forth with lead changes, as neither side showed clear momentum. Eli Delos Reyes and Anastacio led the way, lighting a quick 6-0 run as they both converted from beyond the arc to put the Lady Archers at an early 10-7 advantage over the Falcons. In response, Adeshina controlled the paint, prompting DLSU to commit fouls that led them down into the penalty, letting Adamson back into the game as they went on their own 10-0 scoring stint with Cris Padilla at the helm. Aiming to halt the Falcons’ momentum, the Taft-based squad relied on transition baskets and fouls to cut down the deficit, ending the first quarter down by five, 24-19.
Adamson picked up where they left off as Padilla maintained her hot shooting with a three to open up the second quarter. Adeshina followed up, continuing to operate within DLSU’s paint to put Aiesha Dizon into foul trouble, dilating the Lady Archers’ deficit, 29-19. The Taft-based squad could not find an answer as sloppy ball handling led to easy turnovers while Adeshina’s offensive prowess continued to overwhelm them in the paint with drives and cuts. However, the Green-and-White found light in the dark, as Shantei Dizon, Anastacio, and Villapando sparked a momentum shifting 7-0 run to cut the lead to six, 34-26. Anastacio took it to another gear, getting to work with and-one plays and drives, chipping away at the lead as she ended the half with her very own seven-point scoring streak with a statement three-pointer, cutting the gap within five and putting the Archers’ within striking distance, 40-35, going into the second half.
Pressure packs defense
The third period began with a tight exchange as Mica Camba and Anastacio helped DLSU narrow the gap, 40-39, after an Anastacio follow-up. With Kyla Go absent in the match, Anastacio had to step up and showcase her scoring versatility and draw a foul to give DLSU their second lead at 41-40. However, Kim Limbago of the Lady Falcons responded with critical shots to keep her team in the game, helping them sharpen their claws and extend their lead to a double-digit margin at 55-45. Despite the San Marcelino-based squad’s momentum, Dela Paz drained a vital three-pointer to halt their surge. Missed free throws by the Lady Falcons allowed DLSU to get a foothold again, capped off by Anastacio’s impressive run to the paint. However, AdU retained their ten-point lead to end the third quarter at 62-52.
The deciding quarter saw both teams intensifying their respective defenses. Adamson’s defense made it exceptionally difficult for the Green-and-White to catch up, despite the attempts to speed up the game and rally points. A heated moment between Kyla Sunga and Angela Alaba led to technical fouls but Anastacio took charge from Sunga’s timeout. Apag and Adeshina delivered crucial baskets to extend their advantage while forcing the Lady Archers to turn the ball over. La Salle momentarily responded with a three-pointer by Zyla Lubrico; however Adamson’s fast-break offense pushed the lead back, 78-66. Despite late baskets from the Lady Archers, the Falcons came away with victory, 78-70. AdU’s defensive pressure throughout the second half was the defining factor, effectively limiting DLSU’s scoring opportunities while capitalizing on turnovers. Despite multiple occasions where DLSU threatened to overturn the deficit, Adamson’s resilience and timely scoring in the paint ensured they held on to the victory.
With Round Two nearing its conclusion, the DLSU Lady Archers will look to redeem themselves from recent setbacks as they face the UP Fighting Maroons in their penultimate match on November 22 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
DLSU 70 – Anastacio 19, Dela Paz 10, Camba 8, Sunga 8, Lubrico 6, Araza 5, Villapando 4, Delos Reyes 3, Catalan 2, S. Dizon 2, Villarin 2, Mendoza 1, A. Dizon 0
AdU 78 – Apag 19, Adeshina 17, Etang 12, Padilla 9, Angela Alaba 8, Limbago 5, Agojo 4, Munoz 4, Bajo 0, Meniano 0, Manlimos 0, Angeline Alaba 0
Quarter Scores: 24-19, 40-35, 62-52, 78-70
