Adamson’s Matt Erolon against FEU in the UAAP Season 87.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Adamson opened its UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament campaign by beating Far Eastern University, 59-47, on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Royce Mantua was a difference-maker for the Soaring Falcons in his return from residency after finishing with 14 points, four rebounds, a pair of assists and steals and a block.
“We really need just to work as a team and just trust one another especially we’re all shooters here and we all love to share the ball around,” Mantua, who spent his rookie year with University of Santo Tomas, said.
“Working as a team is what we really need in this season,” he added.
Matthew Montebon had difficulties finding the bottom of the net but still contributed 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal as Matt Erolon did most of his damage in the fourth frame and ended up with 10 points.
“We are just giving our best. Every time that we step on the court, we should be ready,” Erolon said.
“We were struggling in the first half but I was aggressive then in the second half, like what coach said, we should settle down and think what the defense is doing so we were able to deliver,” he added.
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Mudiaga Ojarikre added six points like Joshua Yerro but pulled nine rebounds. Cedrick Manzano was quiet on the offense but made his presence felt after coming up with 10 rebounds.
Two more Falcons made their impact on the boards with Anthony Fransman had nine rebounds while John Calisay grabbed seven to spoil the coaching debut of Sean Chambers with FEU.
Adamson overcame a lackluster seven-point production in the first quarter but eventually got into its rhythm in the second half to pull away from FEU.
“Not really surprised that they struggled today because going to the UAAP opening, last couple of weeks we’ve been struggling as a group and it showed especially in the first half where the team didn’t really settle down,” Falcons coach Nash Racela said.
“But, yeah, it’s good that they delivered today because every contribution that they could give us, not just them, but of course the rest of the team [is a huge help],” Racela added.