Adamson University is back in the thick of things in the UAAP Season 84 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Behind big baskets from Didat Hanapi, Keith Zaldivar, Joshua Yerro, and, of course, Jerom Lastimosa, the Soaring Falcons were able to eke out a 62-55 victory over the National University Bulldogs, Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Just like their opening-round encounter that saw the Bulldogs escape with a 71-69 win last March 26, another down-the-wire tilt ensued.
“We’re happy that in the second round, we’re learning how to win,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela. “The first round really helped us in growing and today naipakita nila.”
This time around though, it was the Soaring Falcons who were able to find the will to win.
With the game tied at 50-all with 5:13 remaining, Didat Hanapi drove to the lane, scoring on an and-one to break the deadlock.
Though former Baby Falcon Jake Figuroa scored on the other end three minutes later, Adamson skipper Keith Zaldivar answered right back with a booming triple followed by a Joshua Yerro hook to give their side a 58-52 cushion with 1:23 remaining.
Shaun Ildefonso tried to muster one last rally for the Bulldogs with a huge three but Jerom Lastimosa denied them of it.
In a wild sequence, Lastimosa swatted away a Janjan Felicilda attempt and then followed it up with a steal on Ildefonso that led to a breakaway layup. Well, Lastimosa’s attempt was initially swatted by Michael Malonzo but was later ruled a goaltend.
Stops by Adamson and big free throws by the Soaring Falcons completed their vengeful win over the Bulldogs.
The Soaring Falcons, who ended the first round with a 1-6 record, raised its slate to 3-6 — just a full game behind the Bulldogs for the fourth spot. Tied with Adamson are Far Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas.
Lastimosa once again proved why is one of the top guards in the league, tallying 17 points on an efficient 6-of-8 shooting clip with five rebounds, four assists, a career-high three blocks, and two steals.
Hanapi got 13 points as well with five rebounds while Zaldivar added 10 points.
Cedrick Manzano and Vince Magbuhos also stepped up as Lenda Douanga was out for the game, grabbing nine and eight rebounds, respectively.
Janjan Felicilda was the high-point man for NU with 13 points built on two treys while Reyland Torres and Felicilda added seven points apiece.
Mike Malonzo was held down to just two points on 1-of-5 shooting but was able to make up for it on the boards with 10 rebounds. Issa Gaye also grabbed 13 boards.
Technically, NU shot itself in the foot as it missed nine of its 16 free throw attempts. The Bulldogs also failed to outwork the Soaring Falcons on the boards as the rebounding battle was a 41-all deadlock.
Adamson looks to continue its giant-slaying ways when it squares off against University of the Philippines on Thursday at 4:30PM. Earlier in the day, NU looks to bounce back when it takes on FEU at 12:30PM.
The Scores:
Adamson 62 –– Lastimosa 17, Hanapi 13, Zaldivar 10, Manzano 8, Sabandal 6, Magbuhos 3, Yerro 2, Peromingan 2, Erolon 1, Colonia 0, Barasi 0, Maata 0, Jaymalin 0.
NU 55 — Felicilda 13, Torres 7, Ildefonso 7, Minerva 6, Figueroa 5, Joson 5, Clemente 2, Gaye 2, Malonzo 2, Manansala 2, Yu 2, Mahinay 2, Enriquez 0, Tibayan 0.
Quarterscores: 17-11, 31-28, 41-45, 62-55.
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