UST upsets Adamson to draw first blood in girls' basketball finals

Erika Danganan shoots the ball against the Adamson defense. Photo from UAAP

The University of Santo Tomas handed Adamson University their first loss, 73-68, in the UAAP high school girls basketball tournament to take Game 1 of the finals on Friday at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

UST dominated the league leaders in the third period with a 21-9 performance to take the lead, 55-48, at the end of the frame.

They continued their charge in the final period and led by as many as 13 points, 73-60, with around two minutes left in the game, enough to get the win despite Adamson’s late rally.

"Sobrang saya kasi ngayon lang kami nanalo, Game 1 pa. Sabi ko nga, credit sa mga bata kasi nagawa nila game plan namin," UST head coach Ford Grajales said. "Natuwa ako kasi nakuha nila at nakita ko ‘yung willingness at puso nila."

Missed free throws proved to be costly for the San Marcelino-based squad as they went 14-of-24 from the charity stripe in the second half.

UST’s Danganan twins combined for 29 markers, 19 coming from Erika and 10 from Nicole. Chille Serrano chipped in 10 points and nine rebounds.

"Sobrang natuwa ako kasi nakabalik ‘yung isa sa kambal si Nicole," Grajales said about her ward, who did not play for almost a year due to an ACL injury. "Iba ‘yung energy na ibinigay niya sa kambal niya. May connection talaga sila."

Joan Camagong listed 24 markers for Adamson while Crisnalyn Padilla made 17 points. Charlene Cacallas dominated rebounding with 13 boards, while Mia Miguel, and Katrina Agojo had 12 each.

Grajales said they will try to make some adjustments as they shoot their way for the crown on Monday.

In the boys' division, Terrence Fortea registered 24 markers to lift the Nazareth School-NU Bullpups past the FEU Baby Tamaraws, 79-61.

Four other bullpups scored in double digits to combine for 48 points. Cholo Anonuevo, on the other hand, topped the Baby Tams in scoring with 13 points.

A win for NU on Monday will give them their second consecutive boys basketball title. —MGP, GMA News