Adamson University soared past the Far Eastern University after claiming a 95-79 win on Saturday in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
With four straight winning streak, the Falcons ended the first round of the tournament with a 5-2 record and claims solo third, while the Tamaraws finished with a 4-3 card and grabs solo fourth.
The Soaring Falcons dominated the game from the first half as they ended with a 61-40 lead, shooting 64 percent from the field, had 9-for-13 shooting beyond the arc in the first half and even tallied 17 of their 22 total assists in the first 20 minutes of the game.
“It’s going to be a different scenario come the second round,” said coach Franz Pumaren. “Looking at the overall picture, we are number three in defense. It’s our defense that will carry us in the next round.”
The second half of the game became a battle of physicality as Arvin Tolentino got ejected from the game after committing two unsportsmanlike fouls over elbowing Tyrus Hill and another for kicking Dawn Ochea.
Ron Dennison and Hubert Cani were also penalized for flagrant fouls in the second half.
“We anticipated that. Every game is important in the second round and we just have to anticipate the physicality,” added Pumaren.
Jonathan Espeleta finished with 17 points and six steals, while Jerrick Ahanmisi added another 17 points. Papi Sarr chipped in a double-double 14 markers and 14 boards.
Meanwhile, Jerie Pingoy made history after tallying 10 assists, the highest record by a single player in the season, along his 10 points.
Jasper Parker and Dennison had 12 and 11 points respectively in the losing effort.
