Falcons edge Bulldogs for 2-2 record

FILE PHOTO – Adamson center Papi Sarr during the Falcons’ game against the La Salle Green Archers. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Adamson University evened its record in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament tripping National University, 83-76, Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Soaring Falcons improved to 2-2 tying the Bulldogs at the fourth spot.

Adamson had four players scoring in double digits, and that was the kind of production head coach Franz Pumaren envisioned his team would have coming into the season. 

“What I saw right now was the team that I envisioned at the start of the season wherein each and everyone will contribute one way or the other,” said Pumaren.

Papi Sarr led Adamson with a 19-point, 13-rebound double-double while Jerrick Ahanmisi and Jonathan Espeleta had 13 points apiece.

Jerie Pingoy filled the stat sheets with 12 points, five assists, and six steals for the Falcons.

Kurt Lojera scored his lone field goal of the game on a pull-up jumper to give Adamson a 10-point lead, 76-66, while Sarr and Sean Manganti scored five straight points for an 81-69 buffer with 2:40 left as the Falcons kept the Bulldogs at bay.

Jayjay Alejandro was the lone offensive bright spot for NU as he finished with 25 points, on 10-of-20 shooting, with seven rebounds.