Jericho Cruz drops 37 points to lead Falcons past Stags in PCCL
MANILA, Philippines—With Jericho Cruz firing 37 big points, Adamson just continued to sizzle in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League Sweet 16, defeating San Sebastian, 88-79, Sunday at the San Juan Arena.
Cruz, who uncorked four treys, not only led the offense but also plucked seven boards and dished out four assists for the streaking Falcons.
“Cruz has been consistent for us,” said coach Leo Austria, whose squad has been playing since the Metro Manila qualifiers since first week of the month.
Rodney Brondial and Roider Cabrera have also provided a steady option from downlow and the wing, sharing 20 and 13 points, in that order.
The Falcons, still unscathed in the tournament, are a victory away from clinching a spot in the final four—where three teams have already settled in.
It has been a stellar journey for Adamson on the way to the top, having to emerge victorious in the qualifiers and then battle seeded teams in the Sweet 16.
And they were even without their key guys like forward Eric Camson, who only played one game in the nationwide tournament.
“After UAAP, we only took a two-week break before starting practicing again, and we were able to sustain fighting stance,” said Austria.
Adamson never relented and recovered its place in the drivers’ seat midway the third, then made sure it never lost sight of the lead for the rest of the game.
A dagger trey from Roider Cabrera with two minutes to go, which gave the Falcons an 82-71 lead, shut the door on the Golden Stags.
Ronald Pascual, who played his final game in a San Sebastian uniform, gunned for a decent farewell and had 26 points, along with five rebounds.
