Falcons subdue Tams on Camson putback

MANILA, Philippines–A LAST-SECOND tip-in toppled the title-favorite.

 

Eric Camson buried the game-winner with 2.2 seconds left as the Adamson Falcons stunned the Far Eastern University in a 64-63 thriller that snapped the Tamaraws’ unbeaten run in the 73rd UAAP men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Araneta Coliseum.

 

“He was at the right place at the right time,” said Adamson coach Leo Austria of Camson’s decisive putback. “It was a lucky break for us.”

 

Camson’s follow-up came after Alex Nuyles’ missed a layup, as the Falcons grabbed solo second at 5-2 while pinning on the Tamaraws their first loss in eight games.

 

The Falcons worked their way from as many as 11 points down, 46-57, behind Camson, Nuyles, Jerick  Cañada and Janus Lozada.

 

“We’re slowly maturing as a team and I guess this is our biggest statement,” said Austria. “The past year, we’ve always had criticisms that we collapse in the end-game. The opposite is happening now.”
 
Camson finished with 14 points, eight rebounds and two blocks, while Nuyles had 14 markers and five boards.

 

Earlier, James Martinez rediscovered his shooting touch while Paul Lee remained in top form to power University of the East to a 75-65 victory over University of Santo Tomas.

 

The Warriors, bidding to swing their fortunes around, closed out the third quarter with a 19-4 spurt en route to their second win in eight games.

 

FEU seemed headed for another win when Aldrech Ramos, nailed a layup that gave the Tamaraws a 63-62 lead with 6.8 seconds left.

 

That shot was the lone field goal of the Tamaraws in the final quarter after missing their previous 12 attempts.

 

It was Adamson’s first victory over FEU in 17 games spanning eight years. The Falcons last won, 76-49, in their July 28, 2002 game.