Fransman, Montebon breakouts lead Adamson to bounce back win
Date Posted: September 16, 2024 at 03:43 PM
AJ Fransman and Mathew Montebon turned in big performances as the Soaring Falcons reminded everyone in the UAAP 87 Men’s Basketball Tournament why they were consistently in the Final Four hunt in previous seasons despite being counted out by pundits, scoring a big victory over erstwhile unbeaten University of Santo Tomas, 69-56, September 15 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Fransman, a transferee from Enderun Colleges, posted an 11-10 point-rebound double-double built on three triples to go along with pairs of assists and steals, while Montebon registered the most points he scored this season with 15 markers in addition to five boards and four dimes.
“Tingin ko, there were some doubts heading into the game after struggling the last few days. What the first half showed was we could stay with them. “After the break, it’s a realization na pwede pala despite UST having a stronger line-up and support compared to last year,” Coach Nash Racela said of his wards.
“Kaya pala natin sumabay. That triggered it in the second half. Our defense was commendable.”
Coming off a 30-point defeat against reigning champs, De La Salle University, the Falcons quickly turned the script and turned a slow 13-20 first quarter start into a 34-33 lead come halftime.
The Soaring Falcons then zoomed to a 17-1 run to end the third frame, with Montebon, Matty Erolon, and Royce Mantua taking turns in scoring en route to a 52-38 deficit. The San Marcelino crew also limited the Espana-based squad to six points.
Adamson outrebounded their foes, 46-33, and tallied a much-improved 40% shooting clip. The Falcons initially registered 29% field goal percentages in their first two games.
The Nash Racela-mentored squad returns to action this Saturday, September 21, against Ateneo de Manila University for this season’s first bout of the Battle of the Birds of Prey at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
