Coming off on the wrong side of a 30-point blowout against De La Salle University last Wednesday, Adamson University rebounded big time by dealing University of Santo Tomas its first loss of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament, 69-56, on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Soaring Falcons put the game away with a 17-1 rally to end the third with contributions from Matthew Montebon, Matty Erolon, and Royce Mantua for a 14-point, 52-38 lead entering the fourth.
Overall, the Growling Tigers were limited to just six points in the third period while allowing the Falcons to score 19.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Tingin ko, there were some doubts heading into the game after struggling the last few days. What the first half showed was we could stay with them. After the break, it’s a realization na pwede pala despite UST having a stronger line-up and support compared to last year,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela.
“Kaya pala natin sumabay. That triggered it in the second half. Our defense was commendable.”
UST, which is eyeing a 3-0 start for the first time since UAAP Season 78 (2015), opened the game decisively, taking a 20-13 advantage into the second frame but it all went downhill from there.
The Growling Tigers scored just 36 points the rest of the way.
Montebon scored 15 points, grabbed five rebounds, dished out four assists, and made two steals as Adamson hiked its record to 2-1, forcing a tie at third with UST.
AJ Fransman, a transferee from Enderun Colleges, added 11 points and 10 rebounds in the win. Meanwhile, Mantua also had a good game against his former school, tallying 11 points on a 4-of-5 shooting from the field.
Adamson will look to build on this win when it battles Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday, 6:30 PM, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Nic Cabañero was a one-man show for the Growling Tigers with 16 points and five rebounds.
UST will shoot to return to its winning ways on Saturday as well against National University.
The Scores:
AdU 69 – Montebon 15, Fransman 11, Mantua 11, Erolon 6, Yerro 5, Calisay 5, Manzano 5, Ramos 5, Barasi 2, Ojarikre 2, Anabo 2, Ronzone 0, Ignacio 0, Dignadice 0.
UST 56 – Cabañero 16, Manaytay 9, Tounkara 7, Paranada 6, Lane 4, Robinson 3, Pangilinan 3, Padrigao 2, Estacio 2, Llemit 2, Laure 2, Acido 0, Crisostomo 0, Mahmood 0.
Quarterscores: 13-20, 33-32, 52-39, 69-56
