UAAP women’s basketball: Lady Falcons claim last semis spot

Adamson led from wire-to-wire to eliminate University of Santo Tomas, 73-58, and clinch the last semifinals berth in the UAAP Season 79 women’s basketball tournament Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Kaye Pingol had 17 points while Nathalia Prado added 15 points and 10 rebounds as the Lady Falcons led by as many as 28 points to prevail.

Adamson will play third-ranked University of the East in first step-ladder on Saturday at 12 nn also at MOA Arena.

“They want to prove something that we are in the Final Four,” said coach Mike Fermin, who took over the Lady Falcons last December. “For me, it’s accomplishment itself.”

Three-peat seeking National University, which has won 46 straight games dating back to the 2014 season, is in the best-of-three Finals after going 14-0 in the eliminations.

De La Salle, meanwhile, secured the twice-to-beat bonus in the step-ladder semifinals after finishing at 11-3 in second place. The Lady Archers will play the winner of the Lady Warriors-Lady Falcons match on Wednesday.

Shanda Anies and Bettina Peñaflor teamed up for 24 points for the Tigresses, who wound up fifth for the second straight year.

SCORES

ADAMSON 73 – Pingol 17, Prado 15, Lacson 12, Alcoy 11, Araja 8, Cabug 5, Osano 3, Camacho 1, Razalo 1, Dampios 0, Loretero 0.
UST 58– Anies 14, Peñaflor 10, Larosa 9, Angeles 9, Aujero 6, Gandalla 4, Rivera 2, Portillo 2, Felisarta 2, Magdaluyo 0, Jerez 0, Capilit 0.
Quarters: 23-8, 37-22, 56-37, 73-58