Adamson’s Monty Montebon against UST in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Adamson dealt University of Santo Tomas a first loss in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament, 69-56, on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The trio of Mathew Montebon, Anthony Fransman and Royce Mantua showed up for the Soaring Falcons, who used a big second half to improve to 2-1 following a blowout 82-52 loss to La Salle last Wednesday.
“I’m happy with the effort that the players gave today. We out-rebounded a big team like UST so it means that they put in the effort today,” said Adamson coach Nash Racela, who had a 46-33 advantage in the rebounding department.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball
Adamson coach Nash Racela, Monty Montebon, Royce Mantua, and AJ Fransman on beating UST. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/FJfozKpgai
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 15, 2024
“The last couple of days, we’ve been struggling with our focus. I didn’t really know how they would play today. They made our adjustments and played a lot better today,” he added.
Adamson trailed by two early in the third quarter before unleashing a 20-1 surge to take a 55-38 lead.
After a strong start, UST struggled to get anything going in the second half en route to an abysmal 19-of-57 shooting from the field.
Montebon made the most of his 21 minutes with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, Fransman had a double-double of 11 points, with 60 percent shooting from beyond the arc, and 10 rebounds.
READ: UAAP: Adamson shakes off slow start, beats FEU
Mantua, a transferee from UST, also produced 11 points on 80 percent shooting. Ced Manzano and Mudiaga Ojarikre made their presence felt on the boards after pulling eight and 10 rebounds, respectively.
Nic Cabañero was the lone bright spot for UST with 16 points, five rebounds and a steal. Christian Manaytay had nine points and Mo Tounkara was limited to seven points and five rebounds.
Adamson tries to get a streak going on Saturday against skidding Ateneo at Smart Araneta Coliseum.