Adamson University bucked a horrid third quarter to hold off University of the East, 71-64, and extend the Red Warriors’ winless run in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Soaring Falcons, who averaged just 68.75 points in their first four outings, exploded for 54 points in the first half, with Matt Erolon, Ray Allen Torres, and Mathew Montebon all reaching double figures.
However, Adamson went cold in the third period, scoring just three points as UE trimmed what was once a 22-point deficit to eight heading into the fourth quarter, 57-49.
Fortunately for the Soaring Falcons, their offense came alive again in the final frame. They immediately scored six points in the first minute and eight seconds to restore a comfortable 63-49 cushion.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“We weren’t really surprised with how UE played in the second half because I always remind my players that UE is also due for a win. They’ve been playing a lot better the last three games… So I’m really challenging our players to do a lot better,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela.
“I think we played really, really soft in the third… Wala umatras na lang ako. I didn’t coach them in the fourth quarter. Alam naman nila ‘yung dapat gawin and they responded positively,” he added.
The Red Warriors could only get within seven points the rest of the way as they suffered their 26th consecutive defeat dating back to Season 87 in 2024.
Another loss would match the league’s second-longest losing streak of 27 games, set by the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons from Seasons 75 to 77 (2012 to 2014).
Meanwhile, the Soaring Falcons returned to the win column to improve to a 3-2 record.
Torres led Adamson with 17 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while Nigerian big man Precious Jonah added 14 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and one block.
Erolon finished with 12 points, all in the first half, while Earl Medina contributed 11 points on a perfect three-of-three shooting clip from beyond the arc.
The Soaring Falcons face a tough schedule to close out the first round, taking on the finalists from the past three seasons. They will face the UP Fighting Maroons on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum before battling the De La Salle Green Archers next Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Despite UE’s continued struggles, sophomore Tope Lagat remained impressive, posting 22 points, four rebounds, two steals, and one block in the loss.
The Red Warriors will close out the first round against UP on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Scores:
AdU 71 — Torres 17, Jonah 14, Erolon 12, Medina 11, Montebon 10, Anabo 6, Cañete 1, Edding 0, Mangaron 0, Pacquiao 0, Tumaneng 0, Demisana 0, Perez 0, Cruz-Dumont 0.
UE 64 — Lagat 22, Robles 12, Jimenez 6, Edoukou 5, Tañedo 4, Vasquez, Cruz-Dumont 4, Dungca 4, Sabroso 2, Javier 2, Carillo 0, Santos 0.
Quarterscores: 24-14, 54-32, 57-49, 71-64.
