The Akari-Adamson University Soaring Falcons did just enough to stave off Gamboa-St. Clare University Coffee Lovers, 92-85, for their third straight victory, Thursday afternoon at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Jerrick Ahanmisi paced the Falcons with 18 points on a 2-of-5 clip from downtown, on top of six assists and three rebounds, while Cameroonian big man Papi Sarr hauled down 16 markers and eight boards.
Sean Manganti also added 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Jerie Pingoy had 11 markers, four boards, and four dimes in the conquest.
“I don’t think na ang kalaban namin is St. Clare. Ang kalaban namin si (Trevis) Jackson,” remarked coach Franz Pumaren, as Akari-Adamson had to weather a late flurry from Gamboa-St. Clare courtesy of the Fil-Am guard, who unloaded 12 of his 29 points in the fourth period.
The Falcons couldn’t stop Jackson on the defensive end, as he kept the Coffee Lovers in the game and helped his side fight back from a 10-point lead, 88-78, with 2:41 remaining.
Gamboa-St. Clare cut the deficit down to just four, 89-85, before Manganti and Sarr made huge baskets to put the game away for good.
“Right now, I’m still struggling to find the right combinations. I think we’re the only team who are using all of our players from the bench, but again, we’re here to develop our players,” said Pumaren.
Akari-Adamson improved to 4-1, while Gamboa-St. Clare fell to 2-2 in the standings.
Aris Dionisio chimed in 17 markers and 12 rebounds for the Coffee Lovers, but their efforts were spoiled by their 29 turnovers in the game.
The Scores:
Akari-Adamson 92 — Ahanmisi 18, Sarr 16, Manganti 13, Pingoy 11, Espeleta 10, Camacho 8, Mojica 5, Lastimosa 4, Bernardo 2, Hill 2, Macion 2, Catapusan 1, Buenaventura 0.
Gamboa-St. Clare 85 — Jackson 29, Dionisio 17, Hallare 12, Bitoon 10, Rebugio 8, Acuno 4, Pare 3, Rubio 2, Ambuludto 0.
Quarterscores: 23-16, 42-43, 70-62, 92-85.
