By NIKOLE JAVIER
Joshua Yerro showed the way as Adamson fended off University of Santo Tomas’ spirited challenge, 61-53, in the second round of the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Falcons pulled away for good in the closing period to improve with a 5-5 slate apart from slamming the door on the Growling Tigers.
Yerro, who led all scorers early in the first half with 12 points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting from deep, finished with 17 points and four assists.
Both squads engaged in a nip-and-tuck affair in the first half before Adamson found its rhythm in the ensuing half.
The Falcons, though, saw their 48-40 lead cut down to just two points on a 10-4 counter by UST which was capped by a Christian Manaytay layup.
With 5 minutes to spare in the match, Adamson came back to its senses just and made three consecutive three-pointers. Any last ditch efforts from UST were to no avail as Adamson secured the victory.
It’s surely a morale-boosting win for Adamson, which is reeling from the loss of its star guard Jerom Lastimosa, who confirmed the end of his final collegiate year with the squad after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear.
“I agree we needed this big win. We [have to work on] to be able to finish strong. Towards the end, I think we had a couple of turnovers, it’s part of [a lack of] chemistry. I think it’s something that we need to work on and [on] getting wins. Thankful pa rin cause we won,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela.
Manaytay was the lone bright spot with 13 points and eight rebounds as the Tigers absorbed their third loss in a row for a 1-9 record in the standings.
The scores:
ADAMSON 61 – Yerro 17, Sabandal 9, Montebon 8, Calisay 7, Hanapi 7, Anabo 6, Manzano 3, Ojarikre 2, Magbuhos 2, Colonia 0, Erolon 0, Barcelona 0, Barasi 0, Ramos 0, Canete 0.
UST 53 – Manaytay 13, Calum 9, Lazarte 9, Cabañero 9, Manalang 8, Pangilinan 4, Duremdes 1, Crisostomo 0, Laure 0, Ventulan 0, Gesalem 0, Llemit 0, Esmena 0, Moore 0.
Quarters: 19-20, 35-32, 48-40, 61-53.
