Falcons falter late to end first round with another heartbreak
Date Posted: October 25, 2023 at 01:57 PM
The Soaring Falcons suffered another heartbreak loss, this time in the hands of National University, 66-69, in the UAAP 86 Men's Basketball Tournament held at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, October 21.
Adamson began the game with an early 10-point scoring run but eventually squandered it halfway through the first frame. They were able to get back a second wind of momentum and erected an 11-point cushion to end the first half, 41-30.
The San Marcelino-based squad was then assaulted with a three-point barrage from NU star guard Kean Baclaan, punching in five troikas to push his team ahead.
The two teams were locked at 63 in the dying minutes of the fourth, but timely baskets scored and assisted by Baclaan once again gave his squad the lead, 63-69.
Mathew Montebon answered with a booming three-pointer in the ensuing play to pull the Soaring Falcons within three, 66-69. However, Adamson could not make the necessary stops to tie the contest and force overtime.
The Nash Racela-coached crew got one more chance after forcing a turnover on the final offensive play of NU, but Joshua Yerro missed his three-point badly as time expired. The defeat sent Adamson to fifth place in the rankings with a 3-4 card.
Matty Erolon led Adamson with 14 points off four three-pointers, while Montebon delivered 11 points, including two three-pointers.
Meanwhile, Nigerian big man OJ Ojarikre played his best game so far, scoring 10 points and grabbing six rebounds.
The Scores:
AdU 66 – Erolon 14, Montebon 11, Ojarikre 10, Yerro 8, Calisay 7, Sabandal 5, Manzano 4, Hanapi 3, Colonia 2, Magbuhos 2, Barasi 0, Barcelona 0, Canete 0.
NU 69 – Baclaan 19, Figueroa 17, Enriquez 13, Jumamoy 5, Delos Reyes 4, Manansala 3, Yu 2, Lim 2, John 2, Palacielo 2, Malonzo 0, Galinato 0, Perciano 0, Parks 0.
Quarter Scores: 17-11, 41-30, 54-55, 66-69.
