Adamson University fended off College of Saint Benilde, taking an 80-75 escape win in Group A action in the 2022 Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup, Saturday in San Juan City.
Soaring Falcons lead man Jerom Lastimosa, who was in foul trouble all game long, did not need to do much heavy lifting in this one as he only tallied nine points and three rebounds.
Joem Sabandal caught fire in the contest, dropping 18 points on a 7-of-11 shooting from the field.
Clinging to a 58-55 lead entering the final frame, Sabandal sparked a 10-2 spurt to give his side some cushion. Vince Magbuhos, meanwhile, provided the telling buckets and anchored Adamson’s defense late to avert any CSB comeback.
Cedrick Manzano also got 12 points and six rebounds while the returning Aaron Flowers added six points and eight boards for the Soaring Falcons.
It was a highly physical game that saw Ray Allen Torres and Ray Carlos bang heads early in the second quarter resulting in cuts.
Before the first half ended, Joshua Barcelona crashed on Migs Oczon that planted the latter face first on the hardcourt.
“We did not expect that kind of physicality, but for sure it will help us in our preparation,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela. “Maganda rin kasi right away, the league is sending a signal na kung di kayo handa, mabubugbog kayo.”
“I respect coach Nash and his staff and don’t think there was any intent on their part. I am sure they don’t condone those on their team,” added Tiu.
Miggy Corteza topped St. Benilde with 19 points and six rebounds while Will Gozum added 16 points, five rebounds, three steals, three assists, and a block.
Adamson will next face another NCAA team in Arellano University on Monday at 3:00 PM. Saint Benilde, meanwhile, takes on fellow NCAA squad University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Sunday, July 31.
The Scores:
Adamson 80 — Sabandal 18, Manzano 12, V. Magbuhos 9, Lastimosa 9, Maata 9, Flowers 6, W. Magbuhos 6, Barcelona 4, Torres 4, Yerro 3.
St. Benilde 75 –– Corteza 19, Gozum 16, Cullar 9, Pasturan 9, Lim 7, Davis 3, Oczon 3, Cajucom 3, Mara 2, Jarque 2, Serrano 2, Sangco 0, Carlos 0, Dimayuga 0, Sumabat 0.
Quarterscores: 15-23, 42-34, 58-55, 80-75.
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The entire 2022 Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup will stream LIVE on Smart Sports Facebook page
