Adamson University pulled off the most dramatic win so far in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament, stunning University of the Philippines 69-68 in a comeback win.
While it may have been a thrilling finish, star guard Jerrick Ahanmisi said the Soaring Falcons should not have allowed themselves to rely on a final heart-stopping shot to get the win.
“I believe that it shouldn’t have come down to that point,” said Ahanmisi after the game. “We were down the whole game but we just kept our poise.”
The Soaring Falcons were down 57-47 heading into the fourth quarter and still trailed by as much as eight, 65-57, with 3:56 left until they mounted a 10-1 run to take a 67-66 lead in the last two minutes.
It seemed, though, that the Maroons were headed for the win after Bright Akhuetie followed up Paul Desiderio’s missed three for the 68-67 lead with 5.7 seconds left.
But left with enough time on the clock, Sean Manganti scored on a magical game-winner with 0.7 seconds left that preserved Adamson’s undefeated streak and bumped the Falcons’ record to 4-0.
Ahanmisi said it was his team’s fortitude that got them through the perilous situation.
“Our mental toughness showed today and I think our team is built together right now but like I said it shouldn’t have come down to that point,” said Ahanmisi who had 15 points, two rebounds, and three assists.