INQUIRER file photo
MANILA, Philippines — Ryan Monteclaro scored on crucial freethrows and Adamson got back on the winning track with a 71-70 triumph over Jose Rizal University Saturday in the Filoil Flying V Pre-season Cup at the Arena in San Juan.
The Falcons, who had head coach Leo Austria back in the sidelines, snapped a three-game tailspin with another nailbiter victory – the squad’s third in seven starts.
Monteclaro, whose total of four points all came from the stripe as he had just one attempt from the field, stole the leather and nailed both freethrows with 5.8 ticks left which gave them a 71-67 breather.
Adamson held the upper hand all throughout the payoff period after a 51-all deadlock, with Jericho Cruz, Eric Camson and Alex Nuyles leading the way.
Cruz had 18 points and five rebounds even as Camson scored 18 markerß and 14 boards for the Falcons.
The Heavy Bombers, toting the same record as Adamson at 3-4, tried to mount a comeback down the stretch but ran out of time to complete it.
Phillip Mabulac finished with 23 points and 14 rebounds, Nate Matute had 13 points, while Carlo Lopez, who sparked the uprising, had four markers.
The scores
ADAMSON 71 – Cruz 19, Camson 18, Cabrera 12, Brondial 11, Nuyles 5, Monteclaro 4, Julkipli 2, Cabigas 0, Trollano 0, Abrigo 0, Rios 0, Etrone 0, Olalia 0, Bernabe 0, Agustin 0, Petilo 0.
JRU 70- Mabulac 23, Matute 13, Villarias 7, Monserat 7, Carampil 6, Dela Paz 6, Lopez 4, Mendoza 3, Almario 1, Salaveria 0, Camasura 0, Munez 0.