By Maxine Louise Lagman
MANILA, Philippines – Adamson University (AdU) and National University (NU) showed much grit and determination to win their respective games in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday, November 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Adamson survived University of Santo Tomas (UST), 56-55, and improved to a 4-5 win-loss record at fourth.
Down by 19, 28-47, the Soaring Falcons closed the match with a 28-8 blast off Cedrick Manzano’s go-ahead and-one, followed by a layup and two buckets from the free throw line.
“Nilagay namin sa white board nung halftime you miss 100-percent of the shots you don’t take. Good thing may hindi natatakot kanina. Binuhat kami ni Cedrick,” said Adamson coach Nash Racela.
Manzano led Adamson with a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double, while Lenda Douanga chipped in nine markers and 12 boards.
On the other hand, Nic Cabanero led the Growling Tigers with 22 points as they suffered their eighth straight loss at 1-8.
NU also overcame 19 points in the first half to win against Far Eastern University (FEU), 71-60. With the win, they improved to a 7-3 slate to remain at second.
The Bulldogs went on an 18-0 off a Patrick Yu basket in the fourth quarter to inch closer to the Tamaraws.
John Lloyd Clemente sank five unanswered points to widen NU’s gap to 11, 71-60, 10.3 seconds left in the game. FEU failed to keep up as NU sealed the victory.
“We’re lucky enough to come back from down 19 points,” said NU head coach Jeff Napa. “At least, hindi bumitaw ang mga bata nung second half. Tinrabaho nila unti-unti. At least nakabalik kami.
Patrick Yu led the Bulldogs with 15 points and six assists, while Jolo Manansala chipped in 12 markers and six rebounds. Clemente added 11 points and four board, while John Figueroa had a 12-point, six-rebound double-double.
FEU’s Bryan Sajonia had 27 points in the loss, as they fell to a 4-6 win-loss record. #
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