La Salle books semifinal berth

De La Salle University strung its fourth straight victory and secured a Final Four seat at the expense of Adamson University, 54-48, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women's basketball tournament yesterday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Lady Archers used an 11-6 run late in the fourth quarter to extinguish the fight out of the Lady Falcons on their way to advancing into the semis for the first time since Season 79.

La Salle raised its win-loss slate to 9-2.

Meanwhile, reigning six-time champion National University waylaid also-ran University of the East, 92-31, for its 11th straight win and 107th victory in a row overall.

The semis-bound Lady Bulldogs limited the Lady Warriors to just four points in the opening period, allowing UE to make one field goal in 18 attempts.  NU standout Camille Clarin outscored the entire Lady Warriors all by her lonesome in the first two quarters, scoring nine of her 14 points during the first 20 minutes of action.

NU led as much as 65 points over UE multiple times in the contest.

Tin Cayabyab led NU with 17 points followed by Clarin's 14. Mikka Cacho had 11 points along with seven rebounds for the Lady Bulldogs.

UE remained winless in 11 games.

La Salle survived some scary moments when Adamson cut its once imposing 41-30 third quarter lead after Victoria Adeshina sank two charities to close the gap, 42-43, with 5:56 to go in the game.

La Salle countered with a decisive run ignited by Charmaine Torres' free throws and making crucial defensive stops to preserve the win.

Torres led La Salle with 14 points along with seven rebounds and five steals while Fina Niantcho Tchuido contributed 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Defense was key for La Salle as it forced Adamson to commit 20 turnovers, which yielded 18 points. The Lady Archers also tallied 13 steals.

Victoria Adeshina finished with 20 points and 20 rebounds while Cris Padilla had 11 markers for the Lady Falcons, who dropped to 3-8 record.

University of the Philippines, on the other hand, bolstered its semis bid with a 73-56 win over Far Eastern University for a 5-6 record.

Christie Bariquit led UP with 19 points and seven rebounds while Acrissa Maw had 15 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Justine Domingo contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steal for the Fighting Maroons, who sent the Lady Tamaraws to a 2-9 card.

The scores:

First game:

La Salle (54) – Torres 14, Niantcho Tchuido 10, Sario 7, Ahmed 6, Jimenez 5, Espinas 4, Binaohan 4, Dalisay 2, De La Paz 2, Castillo 0, Villava-Cua 0.

Adamson (48) – Adeshina 20, Padilla 11, Alaba 6, Flor 5, Agojo 4, Catulong 2, Dampios 0, Ornopia 0, De La Cruz 0, Meniano 0, Etang.

Quarters: 12-11, 25-19, 41-33, 54-48.

Second game:

NU (92) – Cayabyab 17, Clarin 14, Cacho 11, Pingol 7, Tiky 6, Betanio 5, Villareal 5, Canuto 4, Solis 4, Fabruada 4, Ico 3, Bartolo 3, Dimaunahan 3, Surada 3, Barroquillo 3.

UE (31) – Terrinal 9, Kone 9, Paule 4, Lorena 3, Silva 2, Caraig 2, Gervacio 2, Sajol 0, Dela Rosa 0, Tinio 0.

Quarters: 18-4, 51-6, 68-14, 92-31.

Third game:

UP (73) – Bariquit 19, Maw 15, Domingo 11, Lozada 10, Sanchez 8, Tapawan 4, Pesquera 4, Gonzales 2, Rivera 0, Vingno 0, Larrosa 0, Sauz 0.

FEU (56) – Jumuad 12, Manguiat 12, Taguiam 10, Go 10, Aquino 6, Obien 3, Pacia 2, Calinawan 1, Delos Santos 0, Salvani 0, Lopez 0, Cunanan 0, Paras 0.

Quarters: 21-5, 39-16, 53-41, 73-56.