After the first two games of the preseason went in the way of NCAA teams, a complete sweep by the Grand Old League was on the verge of happening. However, Papi Sarr and transferee Jerie Pingoy did not allow it to happen.
Behind the two, the Adamson University Soaring Falcons were able to gut out a 61-56 win over the Arellano University Chiefs in the sole Group B game of opening day in the 2017 Premier Cup, Monday evening.
“As you can see, we’re still a work in progress. We got some new guys and we just have to stay within the course, still a lot of polishing to do,” said Adamson coach Franz Pumaren.
Pingoy drilled two more jumpers in the extra period to finish with seven points, three rebounds, and three assists. Sarr imposed his will to come away with nine markers, 18 rebounds and a block.
Subbing in for the fouled-out Robbie Manalang, the transferee from Ateneo cashed in on his chances late, draining the game-tying three, 48-all, that forced overtime with 20.8 seconds left.
The Soaring Falcons leaned on the duo in OT as Pingoy drilled the go-ahead basket with 58.3 seconds remaining before Sarr put his side up by five, 61-56, with a crucial three-point play with three ticks left.
Dawn Ochea led Adamson in scoring with 14 points and six rebounds while Filipino-American rookie Tyrus Hill got 10 markers and four boards.
Kent Salado paced the Chiefs with 14 points, eight rebounds, and two assists, while Archie Concepcion had 13 markers and four boards in the loss.
Adamson will next face the San Sebastian Golden Stags on Wednesday, May 3 at 3:15pm. Arellano, on the other hand, will be the first tune-up game of the Flying V Thunder on Friday, May 5 at 3:15pm.
The Scores:
ADU (61) – Ochea 14, Hill 10, Ahanmisi 9, Sarr 9, Pingoy 7, Manalang 4, Manganti 2, Camacho 2, Mustre 2, Paranada 2, Bernardo 0, Zaldivar 0, Chua 0.
AU (56) – Salado 14, Concepcion 13, Flores 11, Enriquez 6, Gupilan 4, Villoria 3, Abanes 2, Rivera 2, Nicholls 1, Canete 0, Dela Cruz 0, Padilla 0, Meca 0, Alcoriza 0, De Guzman 0, Ongolo Ongolo 0.
Quarterscores: 12-14, 21-20, 34-38, 48-48, 61-56.
