Adamson clips UST for first win

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Adamson University snatched its first win in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament after tripping University of Santo Tomas, 88-81, Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Falcons improved to 1-1 while the Growling Tigers are still winless after two games.

UST quietly went on a 14-4 run in the final five minutes of the game to cut Adamson’s 81-66 lead to five, 85-80, but time wasn’t on the Growling Tigers’ side as the Falcons held on until the final buzzer. 

Adamson also forced UST to turn the ball over 41 times, the most since Far Eastern University had 44 errors in 2003, and Falcons head coach Franz Pumaren said his team’s defense made it all happen. 

“I have to give credit to our players, the 41 turnovers is a testament to the defense our players put on,” said Pumaren.

“Although we’re still struggling and we made a lot of mistakes down the stretch so I have to give credit to UST for playing hard.”

Robbie Manalang led Adamson with 19 points and five assists while Kurt Lojera added 16.

Papi Sarr returned to action after recovering from a groin injury and put up 10 points and grabbed four boards in limited minutes. 

Jeepy Faundo led put up 21 points and pulled down 12 rebounds to lead UST while Steve Akomo also finished with his own double-double of 10 points and 15 rebounds.