The Akari-Adamson Soaring Falcons rode the hot start of Jonathan Espeleta and the late game brilliance of Sean Manganti to score a huge, 98-92 bounce-back win at the expense of the Go for Gold Scratchers, Tuesday afternoon at the Pasig Sports Center.
Espeleta, an incoming third-year forward, came out of the gates on fire, unleashing 19 of his 24 points in the first quarter to help the Falcons assert early control with an 18-3 opening salvo, which extended to as high as 25, 69-44, late in the third quarter.
However, the Scratchers refused to fold, with J-Jay Alejandro cutting the deficit down to just six, 86-80, before Manganti poured eight of his 14 markers in the final frame to secure the victory.
“We’re process of experimenting,” admitted coach Franz Pumaren, who was seemingly unfazed by Akari-Adamson losing grip of their double-digit lead.
“We have six new guys in our team and we’re trying to make sure they all get minutes. That’s why we’re here, so that we can explore what the players are capable of doing and preparing us for the bigger leagues,” the multi-time UAAP coach added.
Kurt Lojera added 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Jerom Lastimosa got 12 for the Falcons, which improved to 2-1.
Go for Gold suffered their second consecutive loss to drop down to a 1-2 card.
Alejandro went berserk late, firing 19 points on a 5-of-7 three-point shooting in the Scratchers’ belated comeback bid.
Matt Salem missed out on a double-double with his 15 markers, nine rebounds, and four assists.
The Scores:
Akari-Adamson 98 — Espeleta 24, Manganti 14, Lojera 13, Lastimosa 12, Ahanmisi 11, Sarr 10, Catapusan 4, Buenaventura 3, Bernardo 2, Hill 2, Macion 2, Mojica 1, Camacho 0, Longalong 0.
Go for Gold 92 — Alejandro 19, Salem 15, Dixon 12, Gutang 12, Casiño 9, Domingo 6, Gaco 6, Leutcheu 6, Pasturan 3, Naboa 2, Pili 2, Young 0.
Quarterscores: 32-18, 56-40, 74-60, 98-92.
