Falcons clobber Maroons

Franz Pumaren’s debut as coach of the Adamson Falcons became the Jerrick Ahanmisi show.

Ahanmisi scored 28 points to lead a cast of newcomers that delivered in the Falcons’ 104-85 win over the University of the Philippines Maroons yesterday in the opener of the UAAP basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The younger brother of Rain or Shine guard Maverick Ahanmisi showed what he is capable of as he made 6-of-7 triples to ignite Adamson’s pullaway in the second and third quarters to open Pumaren’s tenure at San Marcelino on a bright note.

“It was an exciting performance for me. I was a little bit nervous going into my first game but I was also very excited,” said Ahanmisi.

Exciting was the perfect word to describe Ahanmisi’s performance.

He hit a pair of back-to-back triples in the second and third, and was one of the active participants of Pumaren’s trademark pressure defense to build a commanding lead.

Rob Manalang, also a rookie, had 16 points and nine assists, veteran Dawn Ochea scored 13 points.

Scores:
First Game
ADAMSON 104 – Ahanmisi 28, Manalang 16, Ochea 13, Sarr 13, Mustre 9, Manganti 8, Tungcab 6, Pasturan 6, Ng 4, Paranada 1, Camacho 0.

UP 85 – Desiderio 24, Manuel 15, Moralde 12, Asilum 11, Vito 7, Webb 5, Harris 5, De Liano 2, Romero 2, Dario 0, Lim 0, Prado 0, Jaboneta 0, Longa 0.

Quarters: 28-18; 46-38; 73-57; 104-85.