Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Adamson leaned on Jerrick Ahanmisi’s explosive performance as it bucked a slow start to repulse University of the East, 91-80, Wednesday in UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Quiet in the Falcons’ first two games, Ahanmisi broke out of his slump, scattering 28 points on 10-of-18 shooting as Adamson secured back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
The win allowed Adamson (2-1) to gain a tie of second spot with University of Santo Tomas, which lost to Ateneo, 70-71, early Wednesday.
The Red Warriors fell to their third straight loss to start the season as they missed center Alex Diakhite who was sidelined by an illness.
The Falcons trailed by two points after the first period, but quickly seized control with Ahanmisi and Jerom Lastimosa on the firing end.
The Warriors came within 75-82 on Rey Suerte’s lay-up with 2:45 left, but Val Chauca split his free throws on the next possession and Ahanmisi scored on a lay-up to extend the lead back to twin digits.
Lenda Douanga’s three-point play with under two minutes left put the finishing touches to the victory for an Adamson team that faces University of the Philippines on Sunday. UE tries to nail its first win as it takes on La Salle on Saturday at MOA Arena.
Lastimosa also had a solid game for the Falcons, finishing with 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
Suerte led UE with 20 points, six rebounds and five assists to go with two steals.