Adamson’s revenge tour continued after securing a crucial 80-69 victory over University of Santo Tomas to gain momentary solo fourth position in the standings of the UAAP Season 84 Men’s Basketball Tournament, Saturday morning, at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
With the win, the Soaring Falcons have avenged another first-round loss when they succumbed to the Growling Tigers in a 72-79 defeat back on April 2.
Both teams engaged in a back-and-forth battle in the first two quarters but the Soaring Falcons eventually found their momentum in the second half. Nash Racela’s squad used a huge third quarter where they outscored the Growling Tigers, 25-12, to build a significant margin over their opponents.
UST attempted to make a last run in the final three minutes of the game but Adamson was able to answer back and keep a safe distance to secure the victory.
“We’re getting closer to where we want to be as a team, I think that’s the important thing,” Racela claimed.
The Soaring Falcons’ latest triumph extended their winning streak to four after consecutive victories over FEU (64-63), NU (62-55), and UP (66-58) to remain undefeated in the second round.
Adamson’s win over UST now sends the Growling Tigers to the brink of elimination as they remain at the second to the last spot with a 3-8 record.
Jerom Lastimosa headlined the Falcons after tallying a new career-high in scoring with 24 points to go with six rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Vince Magbuhos produced 11 points and eight rebounds while Lenda Douanga contributed nine points and five rebounds.
Another big man in Cedrick Manzano also compiled eight points, five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in 18:18 minutes of action.
Adamson received a huge lift from its starters who produced 51 total points as compared to UST’s 31. However, the Growling Tigers’ bench production was better after outscoring the Soaring Falcons, 38-29.
Joshua Fontanila, meanwhile, led his team with 23 points while Nic Cabañero followed with 13 points and four rebounds.
For the second straight game, Sherwin Concepcion struggled offensively after being limited to only four points, an assist, and a steal but managed to pull down 11 boards of his own.
Both schools shall next play on Tuesday at the SM MOA Arena. Adamson (5-6) faces Ateneo De Manila University (10-0) at 4:30 PM while University of Santo Tomas (3-8) takes on University of the Philippines (8-2) afterwards at 7:00 PM.
The Scores:
Adamson 80 – Lastimosa 24, Magbuhos 11, Douanga 9, Sabandal 8, Manzano 8, Zaldivar 8, Peromingan 8, Yerro 2, Colonia 2, Hanapi 0, Jaymalin 0, Calisay 0, Fuentebella 0, Erolon 0, Barasi 0, Maata 0.
UST 69 – Fontanilla 23, Cabañero 13, Manalang 11, Santos 5, Concepcion 4, Gesalem 3, Manaytay 3, Garing 3, Ando 2, Herrera 2, Pangilinan 0, Yongco 0, Canoy 0.
Quarterscores: 22-21, 41-40, 66-52, 80-69.
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