UAAP: Malick Diouf, CJ Cansino lead UP romp of Adamson

UP’s Malick Diouf and CJ Cansino during a game against Adamson in UAAP Season 86.–MARLO CUETO//INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines leaned on reigning Most Valuable Player Malick Diouf and fit-again CJ Cansino to kick off its title quest with a 68-51 win over Adamson sans Jerom Lastimosa in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Diouf unleashed a monstrous performance with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting to go with 17 rebounds, and four blocks, while Cansino, who sat out last season due to his ACL injury, was impressive in his return as he drained five triples to finish with 19 points.

The graduating pair anchored UP’s fourth-quarter surge and tallied the biggest lead of 20 points, 61-41, with 4:24 remaining. Monty Montebon tried to keep Adamson afloat but Cansino put on the finishing touches to seal the Maroons’ first win.

UP’s CJ Cansino.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“In the first quarter, I thought we were a little bit slow going down on defense, then we’re very impatient offensively. Good thing, the team adjusted well to what was happening. They played smarter and felt like it going towards the second quarter,” said UP coach Goldwin Monteverde. “Our defense caught up in the third. I guess for a start, we would always take the win, but we need to work on what needs to be worked on.”

Harold Alarcon had 10 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Francis Lopez debuted for UP with five points and 13 rebounds ahead of their next match against opening-day winner University of the East on Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Adamson missed main man Lastimosa, who is nursing a knee injury but was in uniform. Montebon debuted with 13 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals to step up for the Falcons.

Didap Hanapi had 11 points, while Joem Sabandal and Cedrick Manzano added eight markers each as they try to bounce back against the University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday.

The Scores:

UP (68) — Diouf 20, Cansino 19, Alarcon 10, Cagulangan 5, Lopez 5, Gonzales 3, Felicilda 2, Torculas 2, Alter 2, Torres 0, Pablo 0, Belmonte 0, Abadiano 0, Briones 0, Andres 0.

AdU (51) — Montebon 13, Hanapi 11, Sabandal 8, Manzano 8, Colonia 4, Magbuhos 3, Ojarikre 2, Barasi 2, Barcelona 0, Ramos 0, Erolon 0, Calisay 0, Yerro 0, Anabo 0, Canete 0.

Quarterscores: 16-11, 31-25, 48-35, 68-51