FILE – Adamson Falcons’ bench. –FILOIL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Even without star Jerom Lastimosa, Adamson University advanced to the semifinals after trouncing Lyceum University, 83-71, at San Juan Arena on Tuesday.
Adamson head Coach Nash Racela admitted that sitting out Lastimosa was a game plan for his reserves to step up against a streaky Pirates team.
“Other guys putting stability—that’s where we are slacking. Slowly and surely, our other guys are learning that. So we really plan Jerom missing some tune up games so we can work on the stability of our guys inside,” Racela said post-game.
Racela mixed his rotations and experimented on his team’s minutes after half time and it paid off in a huge way.
After a commendable first half where Adamson led, 32-25, the Falcons went berserk on offense in the third and uncorked a 30-point scoring period which gave them a huge 62-42 advantage.
The Pirates tried to mount a comeback rally in the dying minutes of the game, 81-69, but Joshua Fuentebella sank a midrange bomb to close the door on Lyceum.
Adamson shot an above-average 52.7 percent from the field, converting 29 out of their 55 attempts. The Falcons also held the Pirates down on offense, locking them up to just 16.1 percent from deep (5-of-31).
Cedrick Manzano and Joshua Yerro combined for 30 points for Adamson (15 each), while Ray Allen Torres and Lenda Douanga chipped in 11 a piece.
John Barba led the Pirates in scoring with 19 markers. Mclaude Guadaña helped with 16.
The Falcons will either face San Sebastian or National University in the semifinals.