Adamson’s Joem Sabandal.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Adamson averted a late-game disaster before beating Far Eastern University, 63-54, and snapping a three-game skid in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Soaring Falcons blew a 19-point lead late in the third quarter as they didn’t score a field goal for over nine minutes in the payoff period before Jhon Arthur Calisay ended the drought with a basket underneath off Monti Montebon’s assist for a 60-48 lead with 51.8 seconds left.
However, the Tamaraws refused to give up as L-Jay Gonzales and Xyrus Torres sank back-to-back clutch triples to cut it down to six, 60-54, with 39.5 ticks remaining. Matty Erolon restored the order for Adamson with a perfect trip from the free throw line followed by Joem Sabandal’s split foul shots to seal the win.
“We’re thankful that we won. But all look for consistency in our game. In the fourth quarter medyo we failed. We were the ones leading and tayo pa narattle,” said Adamson coach Nash Racela. “We’re thankful to FEU that they only pressure us in the fourth quarter baka kung ginawa nila ng buong game baka nagiba yung complexion.”
Jerom Lastimosa was ruled out of the season after suffering from a complete ACL tear in his left knee. He returned against University of the Philippines on Wednesday but aggravated his injury in the third quarter of their blowout 77-51 loss.
But the other Falcons stepped up with Joshua Yerro leading the way with 11 points. Sabandal chipped in with 10 points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while Calisay had nine points.
“Sabi ni coach Nash kailangan namin ng consistency so we need to work on that fourth quarter lalo na ako personally dapat di ako nagcocommit ng mga ganung turnovers,” said Sabandal. “Crucial yun para sa akin na kailangan matuto ako kasi may five elimination games pang natira babagsak kami sa ganun dapat di na maulit yun.”
FEU couldn’t carry its momentum from its elimination round sweep of Ateneo three days ago, sliding to a 3-6 record tied with University of the East, which it battles on Sunday next week at MOA Arena.
Gonzales led the Tamaraws with 18 points but struggled with 5-of-15 shooting to go with six assists, three rebounds, and two steals. Jorick Bautista and Torres had 13 and nine points, respectively.
Adamson will have a week before facing University of Santo Tomas (1-8) on November 4 at MOA Arena.
The scores:
AdU (63) – Yerro 11, Sabandal 10, Calisay 9, Hanapi 5, Montebon 5, Erolon 5, Manzano 4, Ramos 4, Magbuhos 3, Ojarikre 3, Barasi 2, Colonia 2, Barcelona 0, Canete 0.
FEU (54) – Gonzales 18, Bautista 13, Torres 9, Bagunu 5, Tempra 4, Faty 2, Ona 2, Sleat 1, Beato 0, Buenaventura 0, Competente 0, Montemayor 0.
Quarterscores: 18-7, 40-25, 56-40, 63-54