Adamson University held off a late rally by Far Eastern University, 57-56, to secure a breakthrough win in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday, Oct. 5, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

After setbacks against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons and the Ateneo Blue Eagles, the Lady Falcons relied on clutch performances from Gilas Pilipinas Women 3x3 standouts Elaine Etang and Cheska Apag to finally notch their first victory of Season 88, giving newly appointed head coach Jed Colonia his maiden win since taking over from Ryan Monteclaro.

With the triumph, Adamson forced a two-way tie for fifth place in the eight-team field alongside FEU with identical 1-2 win-loss records.

“Actually, lahat ng games namin, they all boiled down to the dying seconds. It’s a great feeling,” Colonia said.

"Yun yung point of emphasis namin for the past few trainings and the past few days na we’re there, we’ve given ourselves a chance to win. We brought our team there na may tsansa na manalo, but it’s the effort and the heart na gustuhin manalo in the dying seconds or the last few possessions that will decide the game," he added.

Two consecutive inside hits by Elaine Patio and Yvette Villanueva cut the Lady Tamaraws’ deficit to 53-51 with 4:44 remaining.

A split by Apag at the charity stripe, followed by a crucial Etang three-pointer, allowed the Lady Falcons to regain a six-point lead at 57-51 with 3:33 left.

FEU responded with free throws from Shemaiah Abatayo and Max dela Torre, and an ice-cold three-pointer by Victoria Pasilang, closing the gap to 57-56 with 48.6 seconds remaining.

Despite the late scare, the Lady Falcons held firm in the closing seconds.

A critical steal by Apag—who finished with a game-high six steals—along with key defensive stops prevented FEU from attempting a potential game-winning three-pointer.

Adamson claimed its first Season 88 victory after nearly surrendering a 14-point lead in the first quarter.

Apag finished with 18 points, six steals, five rebounds, and two assists, while Etang struggled offensively with 12 points on 5-of-17 shooting but still contributed six rebounds and four assists.

Brianna Bajo added six points, six rebounds, and one assist, while homegrown product Cris Padilla chipped in five points, three assists, two rebounds, and one steal.

Amyah Espanol led FEU with a near double-double of 15 points on 6-of-13 shooting and eight rebounds, adding two assists and one steal.

Pasilang finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, and one steal.

The Scores:

ADAMSON 57 – Apag 18, Etang 12, Bajo 6, Padilla 5, Meniano 4, Adeshina 4, Mazo 3, Ornopia 3, Munoz 2, Limbago 0, Agojo 0, E. Alaba 0, Carcallas 0, Manlimos 0, A. Alaba 0.

FEU 56 – Espanol 15, Pasilang 15, Abatayo 6, Salvani 5, Patio 5, Villanueva 4, Lopez 3, Nagma 2, Dela Torre 1, Manguiat 0, Garavan 0.
Quarters: 24-16; 33-30; 49-44; 57-56.