Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 5) — Championship composure was the key again for the University of the Philippines (UP) as it eked out an 87-78 victory over Adamson University Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Zavier Lucero churned out 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field, seven rebounds, and four assists for UP.
Adamson was clicking on all cylinders early in the contest as the San Marcelino-based squad erected a 47-31 lead at the halftime break.
Just like in its opening game, UP went on a scoring rampage in the third quarter and dropped 27 points to momentarily grab the edge in the third frame.
Jerom Lastimosa stepped up when Adamson struggled to find its offensive rhythm as it held a 62-58 advantage heading into the final period.
Down by three with 0.1 seconds left in regulation, Adamson’s Joem Sabandal drew a foul on James Spencer from beyond the arc. He then knocked down all three free throws to tie the game at 74 and send the match into overtime.
In the extra frame, Spencer and Terrence Fortea’s triples gave UP some breathing room to build enough cushion. Back-to-back buckets from Malick Diouf put the last nail in the coffin as the Diliman-based squad collected its second win in Season 85.
Lastimosa had a game-high 25 points, six assists, and six rebounds for Adamson. They are still winless after two outings.
UP will next battle Far Eastern University, while Adamson tackles University of the East on Oct. 8 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
