UAAP women’s stepladder semis: Lady Tams down Lady Falcons, set up meeting with Tigresses

By Kristel Satumbaga

Game Wednesday

(Mall of Asia Arena)

12 noon – UST vs FEU (women’s)

Far Eastern University survived Adamson’s late rally to post a 79-73 win on Sunday and advance to the next phase of the UAAP season 82 women’s basketball stepladder semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Choy Bahuyan took matters into her own hands in the crunch for the Lady Tamaraws, who set up a meeting with the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses for a shot at the finals.

Ahead 75-73 with 14 ticks left, Bahuyan drained a corner jumper to douse Adamson’s fire.

She earlier split her charities to give FEU a 75-70 cushion, 1:08 to go.

“Sense of urgency na lang nung huli, kasi nakikita ko ring nanghihina na yung mga teammates ko,” said Bahuyan, who poured all of her 11 points in the last quarter apart from grabbing 13 rebounds.

FEU coach Bert Flores lauded Bahuyan’s efforts.

“Kumbaga sa pelikula, ad lib yung ginawa niya. Kasi hindi naman pwedeng parang robot lang palagi na susunod sa instructions. Siyempre minsan, kailangan din mag-ad lib ika nga,” he said.

Val Mamaril paced the Lady Tamaraws with 22 points, six rebounds and six assists, graduating Clare Castro added 18 points and 17 rebounds, and Fatima Quiapo chipped in 15 points and 12 boards.

FEU dictated the tempo throughout and led by as many as 14 points, making up for its 25 turnovers by firing 10 three-pointers.

The Lady Tamaraws also outmuscled the Lady Falcons in rebounds, 55-45.

Adamson cut a 60-55 deficit to 66-62 on the efforts of Mar Prado, but failed to sustain the momentum in the pivotal moments.

Prado had 34 points and 10 rebounds, while Gerl Anticamara finished with 15 points in a futile attempt for the Lady Falcons.

FEU faces UST on Wednesday with the Tigresses enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage.

Scores:

FEU 79 – Mamaril 22, Castro 18, Quiapo 15, Bahuyan 11, Jumuad 5, Adriano 3, Antiola 3, Delos Santos 2, Abat 0, Payadon 0, Vidal 0.

ADAMSON 73 – Prado 34, Anticamara 15, Araja 9, Bilbao 5, Ornopia 4, Dampios 3, Flor 2, Mendoza 1, Catulong 0.

Quarters: 21-12, 40-29, 57-51, 79-73.

Source: Manila Bulletin