INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) Marc Agustin made good of his return stint with Adamson by powering the Falcons to their first victory in three games, 73-65, over the National University Bulldogs in the 71st UAAP men's basketball tournament Sunday at the PhilSports Arena.

The 6-foot-4 Agustin, sidelined last season due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, buried 25 points built on an impressive 7-of-11 clip from the field.

"I'm really surprised with Marc," said Adamson coach Leo Austria of his fifth-year forward, the eldest son of 1992 PBA Most Valuable Player Ato Agustin. "In my second year with him, this is the first time he played this well. I hope he sustains it through the season. He's important to us because he's one of only two veterans left in the team."

The Bulldogs skidded to their third straight loss even with Edwin Asoro pacing them with 22 markers.

Asoro keyed the Bulldogs' comeback from a 31-22 halftime deficit to knot the contest at 39 with 3:44 minutes left in the third period.

But Alex Nuyles helped restore the Falcons' lead by shooting seven of their next 12 points for a 51-47 advantage.

Agustin kept the Falcons ahead for the rest of the fourth quarter, leading them to a 72-61 edge with only 47 seconds remaining.

The scores:

ADAMSON 73--Agustin 25, Colina 11, Galinato 9, Nuyles 7, Olalia 7, Cañada 7, Alvarez 4, Gonzalgo 2, Yambot 1, Lozada 0, Santos 0, Gorospe 0.

NU 65--Asoro 22, Jahnke 8, Dela Cruz 7, Ponferrada 7, Aguilar 5, Baloran 5, Garcia 5, Fabula 4, Tungkul 2, Batac 0, Galapon 0, Luy 0, Catamora 0.

Quarters: 16-13, 31-22, 51-47, 73-65