University of the Philippines narrowly escaped Adamson University’s second half run to open its UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament campaign with a 66-63 win against the Season 87 bronze medalists last night, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in España, Manila,

Having lost both elimination round matches against Adamson last season, UP made sure to build an early lead, cruising to a 12-1 advantage in the first frame, with Achrissa Maw scoring six of her eight points in that quarter.

Both teams went on an offensive run in the second frame, but UP had more help from its bench, earning 13 points compared to Adamson’s seven. They also took advantage of Kemi Adeshina’s limited minutes on the floor, scoring 18 points in the paint versus the Falcons’ eight. Alex Mendoza, Louna Ozar, Shane Cunanan, and Yel Vingno each contributed four markers in the Fighting Maroons’ 25-point explosion to enter halftime leading 44-31.

Despite the Soaring Falcons outscoring the Diliman-based squad 16-11 in both the third and fourth quarters, UP was able to maintain its slim lead.

After being down by as much as 17 in the first half, the Soaring Falcons clawed their way back, tying the game at 59 on Kim Limbago layup with 4:32 remaining in the fourth.

Camille Nolasco then split her free throws to give UP the lead, before Ozar shot and made her lone attempt at a three to extend UP’s lead to three, 63-59 with under a minute to play. She then proceeded to make her last two free throws with eight seconds on the clock, effectively sealing the maroon-and-green’s victory.

UP Head Coach Paul Ramos said, “Kudos to them because this Adamson team, remember, they are a Final Four team last year so they won’t back down on a 17-point deficit,” adding that he is proud of his team for sticking together.

Ozar led the Fighting Maroons with 13 points and six rebounds despite turning over the ball eight times, while Camille Nolasco added 10 markers with five assists and four rebounds.

Marielle Vingno and Achrissa Maw chipped in eight points each.

Elaine Etang was the lone Soaring Falcon in double digits with 17 markers and six rebounds, and four steals.

Going for their second consecutive victory, UP will face University of the East this Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at 12 PM, while Adamson aims to bounce back when they go head to head against Ateneo at 7 PM on the same date and venue.

Box Scores

UP (66) – Ozar 13, Nolasco 10, Vingno 8, Maw 8, Cunanan 7, Tapawan 5, Mendoza 4, Mejasco 4, Castro 3, Solitario 2, Barba 2, Evangelista 0, Pesquera 0.

AdU (63) – Etang 17, Limbago 9, A. Alaba 8, Ornopia 7, Padilla 7, E. Alaba 5, APag 4, Adeshina 2, Meniano 2, Agojo 2, Mazo 0, Carcallas 0, Bajo 0, Manlimos 0.

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