Adamson University continued its buildup for UAAP Season 88 by clinching its second preseason title — the 2025 Asiabasket International Invitational.
The Soaring Falcons edged out the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 68–63, in a tightly contested final on Friday evening at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
This marks Adamson’s second win over UST in less than a month, having also bested the Growling Tigers in the 2025 Mayor Kirk Asis Open Invitational Final last June 29 in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
Head coach Nash Racela hopes these early triumphs will carry over into the upcoming UAAP season.
“Well, that’s our hope — that we can bring this to the UAAP. But that’s still two months from now. This tournament has really helped us a lot,” Racela said.
In a tense final quarter, Adamson found itself trailing 63–62 with 2:13 left on the clock.
That’s when Ray Allen Torres and Cedrick Manzano stepped up in the clutch. Torres knocked down a crucial three-pointer, while Manzano followed with an inside bucket to give the Falcons a four-point cushion with just 57 seconds remaining.
After a timeout, tournament MVP Collins Akowe missed a wide-open layup that could’ve brought UST closer.
The Growling Tigers had a chance to respond after Earl Medina misfired on a triple. However, Amiel Acido also missed a three on the other end.
Manu Anabo split his free throws in the closing seconds to ultimately seal the win.
Medina led the Falcons with 16 points, including two three-pointers. Anabo and Torres contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Gelo Crisostomo paced UST with 12 points on 15 attempts, adding eight rebounds.
Forthsky Padrigao chipped in 10 points. Meanwhile, Akowe — despite being limited to nine points on 4-of-13 shooting — dominated the glass with 20 rebounds.
To reach the final, Adamson routed Lakas California, 89–55, in the quarterfinals before fending off Letran, 76–69, in the semifinals.
The Scores:
ADU 68 – Medina 16, Anabo 11, Torres 10, Montebon 7, Manzano 6, Perez 3, Ojarikre 2, Competente 2, Tumaneng 2, Ronzone A. 2, Barecelona 2, Ronzone C. 0, Fransman 0, Demisana 0, Canete 0.
UST 63 – Crisostomo 12, Padrigao 10, Akowe 9, Llemit 8, Acido 7, Buenaflor 6, Calum 4, Danting 3, Paranada 2, Laure 2, Bucsit 0, Mara 0.
Quarterscores: 16-13, 31-29, 48-52, 68-63.
