Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 23) – Adamson University Soaring Falcons cruised to their fourth straight win in UAAP Season 84 after trouncing the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 80-69, on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Fresh from halting the eight-game winning streak of the University of the Philippines on Thursday, Jerom Lastimosa once again led the scoring cudgels for Adamson with 24 points and six rebounds to remain unbeaten in the second round with a 5-6 overall record.
Lastimosa only missed one of his total nine field goals and a solitary free-throw out of his eight attempts in the line.
Adamson and UST engaged in a tight exchange of baskets in the first half, but the Falcons broke loose in the third quarter with the impeccable shooting of Lastimosa.
The San Marcelino-based dribblers outscored their rivals from Espana in the third period, 25-12, where they led by as much as 23 points.
The Falcons offense slowed down in the fourth canto but the Growling Tigers failed to take advantage of it as they trailed by double digits in the final buzzer.
Adamson head coach Nash Racela took notice of the Falcons’ complacent performance in the final period.
“I don’t think they respected UST today. We weren’t consistent in playing especially in the first half and they thought that in their minds, they can win by not respecting and it shows UST is a tough team,” said Racela in the post-game interview.
Vince Magbuhos was also instrumental in Adamson’s victory after scoring his season-high 11 points, eight rebounds, and three steals.
Joshua Fontanilla had a solid game for UST with 23 points while Nic Cabanero added 13 markers as the Tigers fell to 3-8, their third straight defeat.
The Tigers are ranked seventh in the team standings and in danger of missing a Final Four berth.
Adamson will shoot for their fifth straight win against unbeaten Ateneo De Manila University on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m., while UST hopes to end their losing skid against National University at the 7 p.m. game.
The Scores:
ADAMSON (80) – Lastimosa 24, Magbuhos 11, Douanga 9, Sabandal 8, Manzano 8, Zaldivar 8, Peromingan 8, Yerro 2, Colonia 2, Hanapi 0, Jaymalin 0, Calisay 0, Fuentebella 0, Erolon 0, Barasi 0, Maata 0.
UST (69) – Fontanilla 23, Cabanero 13, Manalang 11, Santos 5, Concepcion 4, Gesalem 3, Manaytay 3, Garing 3, Ando 2, Herrera 2, Pangilinan 0, Yongco 0, Canoy 0.
Quarterscores: 22-21, 41-40, 66-52, 80-69.
