Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Adamson Falcons snapped a two-game losing skid after manhandling the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 79-52, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) to end the first round on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Papi Sarr and Nicolas Paranada paced the Falcons with 16 and 14 markers, apiece.
The Tigers kept pace with Adamson at the end of the first half after keeping the deficit down to a manageable 33-29.
But the Falcons found another gear in the third frame, and left the host school in the rear view mirror through a scintillating 24-4 rally.
The strong third quarter showing placed Adamson firmly in the driver’s seat with a 59-37 cushion headed into the payoff period.
UST had no answers for the Falcons, as they dropped down to a 2-5 win-loss record.
Adamson improved to a 4-3 slate.
Kent Lao and Dean Lee led UST with 13 and 10 points, respectively.
In the post-game press conference, Adamson coach Franz Pumaren said that it was good to head into the next round of the tournament with a victory.
“This is a good springboard for us coming to the second round,” Pumaren said. “We were totally frustrated the last time around.”
Pumaren also praised his team for exceeding the Falcons’ 3-11 record from last season.
“I don’t think anybody expected us to finish above 500 and exceed one game (compared to) last year,” the veteran coach said. “I hope my players don’t get satisfied.”
