Soaring Falcons overcome slow start to open S87 with W
Date Posted: September 10, 2024 at 10:00 AM
A defensive masterclass by the Soaring Falcons averted their early offensive struggles, leading them to secure a 59-47 victory over Far Eastern University (FEU) in the UAAP 87 Men’s Basketball Tournament on September 8 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Both teams failed to find their rhythm early on, as the first quarter concluded at 7-14, with FEU holding the lead.
Adamson slowly cut the lead down with a balanced offensive attack to register a narrow 39-35 advantage entering the final quarter, but it was in the fourth frame that the Falcons came alive.
A 16-2 run led by Royce Mantua and Matty Erolon allowed Adamson to pull away and establish a commanding 55-37 lead with just over four minutes remaining.
The late-game surge spoiled FEU Head Coach Sean Chambers's UAAP coaching debut and showed that the re-tooled Falcons remain at par with the league after various teams saw significant revamps in their lineups.
"Not really surprised that we struggled today," said head coach Nash Racela, talking about their scoring slump in the first quarter.
"Going into the UAAP opening, the last couple of weeks, we were struggling as a group, and it showed in the first half where the team wasn’t really settling down."
Despite the team's offensive struggles, shooting just 29.7% from the field, Adamson’s defense and timely contributions from Mantua and Erolon made the difference.
Mantua, a former University of Santo Tomas standout, led the Falcons with 14 points, including three crucial three-pointers.
Erolon provided a spark off the bench, scoring eight of his 10 points in the fourth quarter.
“It’s good that Royce Mantua and Matty Erolon delivered today because we will need every contribution they can give us,” Racela said.
The Soaring Falcons aim to build on this win as they face a tough challenge against De La Salle University this September 11 at the same venue.
The Scores:
AdU 59 - Mantua 15, Montebon 11, Erolon 10, Ojarikre 6, Yerro 6, Manzano 4, Fransman 4, Ramos 2, Barasi 1, Anabo 0, Calisay 0, Alexander 0, Barcelona 0, Ignacio 0, Dignadice 0, Ronzone 0.
FEU 47 - Bautista 14, Pre 8, Añonuevo 5, Pasaol 5, Alforque 4, Daa 4, Nakai 3, Konateh 2, Ona 2, Bagunu 0.
Quarterscores: 7-14, 21-25, 39-35, 59-47.
