Austin Ronzone may have only scored a single basket in Adamson University’s 56-53 victory over the University of the East on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena—but it was arguably the most important shot of the game.
With the Red Warriors clinging to a 50-49 lead off DJ Robles’ put-back, Ronzone drilled a three-pointer that gave the Soaring Falcons a 52-50 edge with 2:25 remaining, paving the way for Adamson’s third straight win and improving their record to 4-4 in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Despite the significance of his contribution, Ronzone, in his final playing year for Adamson, downplayed the moment.
“It felt great, you know? Regardless of the score, I’m just happy we won the game,” he said.
“We stuck with it because we were 1-4 earlier and it felt bad, but we stuck with the offense, trusted the coaches to come back to the top.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Having spent three seasons at Arizona State University in the United States and now in his second UAAP campaign, Ronzone is well-versed in the differences between college basketball in the Philippines and the U.S.
The 6-foot-1 guard from Oakland, California emphasized two key distinctions: the intensity of the fans, teams, and cheer squads, and the ruggedness of competition.
“I think athleticism and size are very different compared to the US. I like the skill level and physicality here. I think both are really great though. Both are really hard for sure,” he said.
“I love the atmosphere. I love playing every game here. I’m gonna miss it for sure.
“(They’re) very different but I love it. I love the culture (and) I love the physicality here. I think it’s great. I love it here,” added the son of famed agent Tony Ronzone.
Ronzone has also made headlines recently for a controversial basket he scored against the University of Santo Tomas when the game was virtually decided.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The play drew the ire of Nic Cabañero and the Growling Tigers, who made their feelings known after the game.
Ronzone explained that no disrespect was intended, as he mistakenly thought the league used a quotient system to determine Final Four tiebreakers.
“I meant no disrespect to UST. I think they’re great players—all of them. For me, though, in my mindset, it’s gonna be a close series. We’re all tied in the standings. I thought that point mattered. I’m fine being hated on,” he said.
“I’d rather be hated on, make the playoffs, and get everyone’s respect rather than not make the playoffs. I meant no disrespect. I wasn’t even thinking about them when I shot the lay-up, but I could see why they would be mad for sure.”
Fate and the UAAP schedule will have Adamson and UST clash again as early as Wednesday, setting the stage for another high-stakes matchup.
With the race for the Final Four heating up, Ronzone is eager to face his rivals.
“I mean, they’re gonna go hard,” he said.
“I’m hoping they’re gonna go hard, do you know what I mean? We’re gonna give it our all, and we’re gonna stick to the game plan, and I think we’ll beat them again.”
#WATCH: Coming from Division I program Arizona State, Austin Ronzone is soaking in the Adamson culture and loving every moment on the court 🐦 🏀
📹 @lorenzodelc /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/mLLpzTpVIg
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) October 25, 2025
