Val Chauca takes over as Adamson scores come-from-behind win vs UST

Valandre Chauca carried the Adamson University in the clutch to pull off the killer 78-71 win over the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers in the UAAP Season 82 Men’s Basketball tournament Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Fil-Peruvian sniper lifted the Soaring Falcons from a 71-62 deficit in the last 3:07, as they staged a killer 16-0 assault to finish the game.

Chauca scored 18 points — 11 in the fourth quarter — to go with his eight assists and six rebounds.

“We got a big lift from Val,” testified coach Franz Pumaren. “That’s why he’s here. He’s here to guide this young team.”

Jerrick Ahanmisi led Adamson in scoring with 24 points. He shot on a 4-of-10 clip from beyond the arc, while collecting four rebounds and three assists.

Congolese center Lenda Douanga also added nine points and nine boards in the win.

It was a stunning fightback on the part of the San Marcelino-based dribblers. The Soaring Falcons hiked their way back from a 13-point hole, 61-48, early in the fourth period.

Adamson and UST are now level in third place, since they both hold 3-2 win-loss cards.

Soulemane Chabi Yo stood up for the Growling Tigers in the losing cause with 17 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, and a block.

UST will try to bounce back this Sunday, September 22, against the FEU Tamaraws at 4:00pm. Meanwhile, NU take on defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles earlier that afternoon. Both games will be at the Ynares Center, Antipolo.

The Scores:

ADU 78 — Ahanmisi 24, Chauca 18, Douanga 9, Fermin 7, Lastimosa 6, Mojica 5, Magbuhos 4, Camacho 3, Manlapaz 2, Bernardo 0, Flowers 0, Yerro 0, Zaldivar 0.

UST 71 — Chabi Yo 17, Cansino 10, Concepcion 10, Nonoy 10, Abando 9, Subido 6, Huang 4, Paraiso 3, Pangilinan 2, Ando 0, Caunan 0, Cuajao 0.

Quarterscores: 19-15, 33-38, 48-58, 78-71.