Jerom Lastimosa had a cameo as Adamson University blasted University of the East, 74-64, to improve to solo fourth in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Sunday.
The Soaring Falcons leading scorer, who did not play in their past two games due to a foot injury, entered the court with 30.4 seconds left in the second period. He also played in the last 19 seconds of the game, netting two free throws.
Adamson used that huge second frame, capped by Ray Allen Torres’ triple with Lastimosa providing the hockey assist, to turn a 15-16 affair to a wide 42-23 advantage at the half. Joshua Yerro, Aaron Flowers, and Didat Hanapi also made conversions from deep in that 27-7 quarter.
With the Soaring Falcons ahead by 22 with 6:43 to go in the game, Gani Stevens sparked the Red Warriors’ fightback but it was too little, too late with his basket with 19.6 seconds left the closest they could get. 64-72.
“It’s the Jerom effect. Just seeing him suit up sa game, seeing him shoot around, warm up with the team, that really helps us,” said Adamson coach Nash Racela on their inspired performance.
Lenda Douanga and Hanapi tallied 13 points apiece for the Soaring Falcons (5-6) with the former grabbing seven blocks.
Cedrick Manzano made a double-double of 11 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks, while Joem Sabandal had 10 points.
UE was handed its third straight defeat to fall to 4-8, tied with Far Eastern University at sixth.
Luis Villegas got 20 points and six assists, while Stevens was perfect from the field with 7-of-7 from the field to finish with 14 points.
Adamson will return on Wednesday against Far Eastern University at 6:30 pm, while UE battles Ateneo de Manila University at 4:30 pm.
The Scores:
Adamson 74 — Hanapi 13, Douanga 13, Manzano 11, Sabandal 10, Flowers 7, Torres 6, Colonia 4, Yerro 3, Manlapaz 3, Barcelona 2, Lastimosa 2, Jaymalin 0, Barasi 0, Fuentebella 0, W. Magbuhos 0.
UE 64 — Villegas 20, Stevens 14, K. Paranada 14, N. Paranada 8, Payawal 6, Sawat 2, Pagsanjan 0, Tulabut 0, Remogat 0, Antiporda 0, Guevarra 0, Gilbuena 0, Lingo-Lingo 0.
Quarterscores: 15-16, 42-23, 56-41, 74-64.
