Matt Erolon made sure Adamson University would not squander a 10-point fourth-quarter lead for the second straight game.
Erolon drilled a go-ahead triple to lift the Soaring Falcons and fend off the De La Salle Green Archers’ comeback attempt, 63-60, in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday evening at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Adamson avoided suffering the same fate it endured last Wednesday, when it squandered a 55-45 fourth-quarter lead in a 69-67 loss to the University of the Philippines.
This time, Erolon came through in the clutch. With the game tied at 58 and both teams scoreless for nearly two minutes, the Adamson guard answered the call.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“We should be happy with where we are at right now. To be honest, as a coach, I knew what we could do as a group; I could see our potential, but I apologize to my players; they really surprised me, the whole team. I wasn’t expecting to be at this point after the first round,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela.
With Jcee Macalalag caught on a screen set by Precious Jonah, Erolon found himself open at the top of the key and knocked down a three-pointer to break the deadlock, giving the Soaring Falcons a 61-58 lead with 30.7 seconds remaining.
Manu Anabo then sank both free throws to extend Adamson’s lead to 63-58 with 9.3 seconds left.
Henry Agunanne was in the right place at the right time on the ensuing possession, converting Mason Amos’ missed three-pointer into a putback to cut La Salle’s deficit to three. However, the Soaring Falcons successfully ran out the clock after a timeout, securing the victory.
“Sobrang saya sa binigay na tiwala sa akin ni Coach Nash. Nung nasa bench ako, inisip ko lang na stay composed lang. Tied game eh,” said Erolon, who finished with 14 points.
Adamson wrapped up the first round with a 4-3 record, tying Far Eastern University and the University of Santo Tomas for third place.
The Soaring Falcons claimed the third spot through their head-to-head victories over the Tamaraws, 56-53, and the Growling Tigers, 85-57.
Mathew Montebon added 11 points, two rebounds, and two assists.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Meanwhile, the defending champions Green Archers fell to a tie for sixth place with the Ateneo Blue Eagles at 3-4.
Agunanne led La Salle with 12 points, 10 rebounds, two steals, and one block. Jacob Cortez also scored 12 points while adding four rebounds and four assists, but committed five turnovers.
Earl Abadam chipped in nine points but struggled from the field, shooting 3-of-10 and missing all five of his three-point attempts.
The Scores:
AdU (63) – Erolon 14, Montebon 11, Anabo 8, Jonah 7, Torres 6, Cañete 6, Mangaron 4, Edding 3, Demisana 2, Tumaneng 2, Medina 0, Perez 0, Pacquiao 0.
DLSU (60) – Cortez 12, Agunanne 12, Abadam 9, Pablo 6, Amos 6, Dungo 5, Tovera 3, Marasigan 2, Gagate 2, Daep 2, Quines 1, Macalalag 0.
Quarterscores: 23-10, 36-28, 51-41, 63-60
