After squandering a 20-point halftime lead, Adamson University clamped down defensively in the fourth quarter, holding the University of the East to just four points en route to a 77-62 victory, snapping a three-game skid in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday.
The game also marked the division’s return to the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym after 20 years.
The Soaring Falcons appeared in full control early, building a commanding 45-25 lead at halftime. But the Red Warriors roared back with a massive 33-12 third-quarter run, momentarily taking the lead at 58-57 following a Kristoper Lagat fastbreak lay-up.
Refusing to crumble, Adamson rediscovered its defensive identity in the payoff period, suffocating UE’s offense and allowing only a single field goal — made by Thirdy Malaga — on 1-of-13 shooting.
Meanwhile, the Soaring Falcons’ balanced attack produced 20 points in the fourth, courtesy of Austin Ronzone, Cedrick Manzano, Manu Anabo, OJ Ojarikre, and Ray Allen Torres.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“I can only remember the third quarter. It just showed how explosive UE could be, something we kept on emphasizing sa players namin,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela.
“Against them, sabi ko play consistently, especially sa defense. I think we didn’t do our part in the third that’s why they scored 33. We need to do a better job. Mabuti na lang ‘yung fourth quarter we were able to recover and match up better.”
The Soaring Falcons’ early dominance stemmed from a blazing 17-0 start, highlighted by rookie Earl Medina’s eight quick points en route to a 15-point outing.
With the win, Adamson improved to 2-4. On the other hand, UE remained winless at 0-5, extending its losing streak to 11 games dating back to last season.
“Dapat mas maging consistent kami kasi ‘yung basketball puro runs ‘yan eh. Throughout the game, dapat consistent po talaga defense and offense,” said Medina, reflecting on the team’s roller-coaster performance.
Torres led the Soaring Falcons with 16 points, while Manzano contributed nine points, four assists, and three rebounds.
Anabo and Ronzone added seven apiece as Adamson looks to sustain its momentum heading into its final first-round game against the University of Santo Tomas next Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
John Abate paced the Red Warriors with 17 points and seven rebounds, while DJ Robles chipped in 14. However, both were shut down in the fourth quarter as UE’s offense completely stalled.
Precious Momowei was held to just seven points on five attempts but still grabbed 18 rebounds.
The Red Warriors will try to halt their skid on Wednesday when they face De La Salle University at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
The Scores:
AdU (77) – Torres 16, Medina 15, Manzano 9, Anabo 7, A. Ronzone 7, Fransman 6, Erolon 4, Ojarikre 4, Cañete 3, Tumaneng 3, Perez 2, C. Ronzone 1, Montebon 0, Jaymalin 0, Demisana 0, Barcelona 0.
UE (62) – Abate 17, Robles 14, Lingolingo 9, Lagat 8, Momowei 7, Malaga 5, Mulingtapang 2, Tañedo 0, Jimenez 0, Caoile 0, Despi 0, Cruz-Dumont 0.
Quarterscores: 29-15, 45-25, 57-58, 77-62
