Cedrick Manzano delivered a stellar opener for Adamson University in his final UAAP season.
The 6-foot-5 big man posted 19 points, nine rebounds, and a block, but the Soaring Falcons narrowly fell to the De La Salle Green Archers, 58-60, in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament opener on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
For the fifth consecutive meeting, Adamson came up short against La Salle, despite Manzano’s impressive performance against the hyper-energetic Mike Phillips.
With one of his final two elimination-round games behind him — and another loss to Phillips — Manzano, 22, is looking forward to their second-round matchup against the Green Archers’ energizer.
“Siyempre kagaya nga ni Mike Phillips sobrang energetic. Iniisip ko lang kung paano ko ima-match ‘yung energy niya so ang ginagawa ko pag re-rebound siya, hinaharapan ko na agad siya kasi alam naman natin grabe siya tumalon, grabe energy niya,” said Manzano.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Phillips, also in his final UAAP year, led La Salle with 17 points, 16 rebounds, four blocks, and three steals.
Manzano hopes to make more use of his new weapon in the second-round encounter, as well as in Adamson’s remaining first-round games.
Known as a bruiser during his first four seasons with the Soaring Falcons, Manzano attempted two three-pointers against La Salle and converted one — a shot now greenlit by head coach Nash Racela.
“Siguro ‘yung mas kumpiyansa ako tumira sa labas kasi alam ko namang pinaghirapan ko ‘yun,” Manzano said when asked about what changed in his last year.
However, he acknowledged that he still has areas to improve, particularly his stamina — especially against Phillips, famously known as Motor Mike for his relentless energy on the court.
Off the court, friends with Phillips, Manzano even joked about wanting to learn his secret.
“Siguro kulang lang ako sa stamina kasi ‘yun ‘yung kailangan ko para tumagal ako sa court,” said Manzano, who logged 24 minutes.
“Kaya nga eh, gusto ko nga itanong kay Mike kung paano niya ginagawa ‘yun eh, parang hindi siya napapagod.”
