UAAP: UST nips Adamson behind Joshua Fontanilla’s clutch heroics

UST’s Joshua Fontanilla and Paul Manalang celebrate. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Joshua Fontanilla delivered the clutch shots to extend University of Santo Tomas’ winning streak to two games after edging out Adamson, 79-72, in the UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Fontanilla scored five straight points, including a crucial three-pointer that gave the Growling Tigers a 77-70 lead with 19.3 seconds to go en route to their second consecutive victory to improve to 2-2, tying National University in fourth place.

“I wanted to help my team because they failed to make my presence felt in the first three quarters,” said the transferee guard from St. Clare, who tallied 10 points, four rebounds and three assists.

Rookie Paul Manalang led UST’s charge with 15 points on 5-of-7 three-point shooting and had five assists and three rebounds.

Bryan Santos chipped in nine points and eight rebounds, while Nic Cabanero added eight markers, three boards, two assists and two steals.

“These young players showed that they can deliver down the stretch and finish the game. They also lessen our turnovers compared to our previous games,” said UST coach Jinino Manansala.

Sherwin Concepcion, who scored 25 points in the past two games, was limited to just seven points, shooting 1-of-8 from deep. But his teammates waxed hot beyond the arc, nailing 14 three-pointers in the game.

Jerom Lastimosa powered Adamson with 16 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and one steal as Lena Douanga also scored 16 and grabbed seven boards only for the Falcons to absorb their second straight loss, sliding to 1-3 record.

The Scores

UST 79 — Manalang 15, Fontanilla 10, Santos 9, Cabanero 8, Concepcion 7, Herrera 6, Ando 6, Manaytay 5, Mantua 5, Yongco 3, Gomez de Liano 3, M. Pangilinan 2, Samudio 0, Canoy 0.
ADAMSON 72 — Lastimosa 16, Douanga 16, Magbuhos 8, Peromingan 7, Zaldivar 6, Sabandal 5, Yerro 4, Colonia 3, Hanapi 3, Manzano 2, Maata 2, Jaymalin 0.
Quarters: 19-16, 45-41, 64-58, 79-72.