Photo from Filoil
MANILA, Philippines—Adamson University barged back to the winning column in a big way after repulsing the University of the Philippines, 71-64, in Group A of the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.
The Soaring Falcons hope the win will be their “turning point” in the preseason after suffering three losses in their last four games.
“I think there’s always a turning point, in our regular and preseason. I think this is the best time for that, getting this chance to play against the defending champions of the UAAP,” Adamson head Coach Nash Racela said at San Juan Arena on Sunday.
Joem Sabandal had 14 points, including a huge triple that doused a UP run with 2:26 remaining.
Adamson led by 15 to start the fourth quarter, 61-46, before UP threatened by pulling within nine with 3:00 left.
The Fighting Maroons, however, couldn’t get any closer as the Falcons showed their composure late in the game.
Adamson (5-3) shut down UP’s three-point game as the Maroons shot only 11 percent and only managed to sink two triples.
Adamson sniper Jerom Lastimosa also finished with 14 points while AP Manlapaz scored 13, highlighted by a half court shot to beat the third-quarter buzzer.
Malick Diouf carried the offensive load for UP with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. Zav Lucero posted 11 for the Fighting Maroons, who never led and dropped to 5-2.