Adamson University struggled to find its rhythm early on, but its persistence paid off in the fourth quarter, outlasting Far Eastern University, 59-47, in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
The game was a defensive grind, with the Soaring Falcons entering the final frame with a narrow 39-35 lead.
In the fourth quarter, though, Adamson found its stride – scoring 16 of the first 18 points in the period.
This surge created a commanding 55-37 lead with 4:12 left, effectively putting the game out of reach for the Tamaraws and spoiling the UAAP coaching debut of Sean Chambers.
The win was a significant confidence booster for Adamson, as it prepares to face defending champion De La Salle University in its next game on Wednesday.
“Not really surprised that we struggled today because going to the UAAP opening, the last couple of weeks we were struggling as a group,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela. “It showed especially in the first half, where the team wasn’t really settling down.”
Racela also highlighted the importance of contributions from the likes of Royce Mantua and Matty Erolon.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“It’s good that Royce Mantua and Matty Erolon delivered today because we will need every contribution that they could give us, not just them but the rest of the team,” he noted.
The match was characterized by poor shooting from both teams, with neither able to crack 30-percent from the field.
Adamson shot 19-of-64, while FEU managed just 20-of-73.
Royce Mantua, a transferee from University of Santo Tomas, led Adamson with 14 points, including three triples. Meanwhile, Matthew Montebon chipped in with 11 points.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Natural naman po na ibinibigay lang namin ‘yung best namin every time na ipinapasok kami, dapat ready lang po,” said Erolon, who starred in that fourth-period breakaway.
Erolon scored eight of his 10 points in that game-deciding blast despite spending just 11 minutes and 31 seconds of floor time.
For FEU, Jorick Bautista was the only player in double figures with 14 points and seven rebounds.
Veejay Pre made his collegiate debut after a successful high school career with FEU-Diliman. He contributed eight points and five rebounds but struggled with his shooting, going 3-of-11 from the field.
FEU, which struggled from beyond the arc with a dismal 1-of-21 shooting performance, will next face National University on Saturday, also at the Big Dome.
The Scores:
AdU 59 – Mantua 15, Montebon 11, Erolon 10, Ojarikre 6, Yerro 6, Manzano 4, Fransman 4, Ramos 2, Barasi 1, Anabo 0, Calisay 0, Alexander 0, Barcelona 0, Ignacio 0, Dignadice 0, Ronzone 0.
FEU 47 – Bautista 14, Pre 8, Añonuevo 5, Pasaol 5, Alforque 4, Daa 4, Nakai 3, Konateh 2, Ona 2, Bagunu 0.
Quarterscores: 7-14, 21-25, 39-35, 59-47.
