UP Maroons’ Kaye Pesquera. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines earned its first win streak in seven years after dominating Far Eastern University, 73-56, for its second victory in the UAAP Season 85 women’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Rookie Kaye Pesquera sparked the second half surge of the Fighting Maroons, scoring 20 of her 22 points in the last two quarters to earn their second consecutive victory since UAAP Season 78 in 2015.
It was also UP’s first win over FEU since 2016 as the former fought back from a 16-point deficit in the third quarter, unleashing a 24-3 run for a 50-45 lead and never looking back in the fourth period.
Rizza Lozada chipped in 11 points and six rebounds for the Maroons, while Justine Domingo had eight points, seven boards, and five steals as their team improved to 2-1 for the solo third place before facing defending champion National University on Wednesday at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
“As I’ve said to our team, it’s not the win that we’re trying to get here in our season, it’s really the culture of winning because i it’s been a while that we were in the win record,” said UP coach Paul Ramos.
Kyla Go led the Lady Tamaraws with 14 points and 10 rebounds, as Shane Cunanan added 10 points and nine boards as they dropped to 1-2.
Adamson’s Dindy Medina. –UAAP PHOTO
Meanwhile, Dindy Medina unleashed four triples to finish with 23 points as Adamson University earned its first win after pounding University of the East, 97-69.
Besides Medina, who also had four steals in just 15 minutes of play, Rose Dampios also delivered for the Lady Falcons with 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting. Angela Alaba added 10 markers in less than 10 minutes of playing time, while Victoria Adeshina scored six and grabbed 11 boards.
“We are happy but nothing to celebrate much because it’s just our first win. We have a lot of work to do because we had tough losses in our first two games,” said Adamson coach Brian Gorospe as his team improved to 1-2 tied with FEU, which they will face also on Wednesday
The Lady Falcons shot 52.7 percent from the field and had 27 assists as they led as many as 24 in the first quarter, 33-9.
Kamba Kone delivered 17 points, 14 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals for UE, while Joyce Terrinal had 16 points, seven boards, and five assists but their efforts went for naught as they remained winless in three games.
UE battles La Salle (1-1) on Wednesday.
The Scores:
First Game:
ADAMSON 97 — Medina 23, Dampios 15, A. Alaba 10, Catulong 8, Ornopia 6, Adeshina 6, Flor 5, Etang 5, Padilla 4, Carcallas 4, Meniano 4, De la Cruz 3, E. Alaba 2., Tano 2, Agojo 0, Dumelod 0.
UE 69 – Kone 17, Terrinal 16, Paule 11, Silva 8, Lorena 7, Anastacio 5, Sajol 5, Gervacio 0, Caraig 0, Nama 0, Ordas 0, Zamudio 0.
Quarters: 33-9, 59-27, 75-50, 97-69.
Second Game:
UP 73 – Pesquera 22, Lozada 11, Domingo 8, Sanchez 6, Bariquit 6, Jimenez 6, Maw 5, Vingno 5, Tapawan 2, Larrosa 2, Rivera 0, Gonzales 0, Sauz 0.
FEU 56 – Go 14, Cunanan 10, Delos Santos 6, Taguiam 6, Pacia 5, Jumuad 4, Salvani 4, Aquino 3, Obien 3, Lopez 1.
Quarters: 15-18, 26-35, 50-45, 73-56.