By Jun Ray Navarres
Adamson University’s stellar defensive effort halted their five-game losing streak to keep their UAAP Season 87 Final Four aspirations intact , as they outlasted University of the East, 45-37, on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena,
Rookie AJ Fransman heated up on the perfect time for Adamson, igniting eights points to a 10-0 run to start the final stanza and take a 43-32 lead.
Precious Momowei, who only scored his first field goal during the third period, provided some spark for UE to start a rebellion with a lay-up at the 4:03 mark.
Adamson’s defensive masterclass kept the Nigerian back-up in check, allowing UE to score only five points in the final minutes.
The stellar defensive performance secured Adamson’s first win of the second round, pushing their record to 4-7 and bringing them one step closer to challenging fourth-ranked UST.
“This is something that we really need. If, I’d say our players were doing their part even with those losses that we had, that five straight losses that we had, pero sa’min naman just continue on doing the right things and eventually you’ll get that win,” said head coach Nash Racela.
A quiet first half gave way to a spectacular second half for Fransman, as the Enderun transfer erupted for a career-high 14 points, including three triples, and nine rebounds.
Matt Erolon also posted 14 points along with four assists while Ced Manzano provided 12 points and 11-rebound double-double for the Soaring Falcons.
Coach Racela hopes to improve their standing next time against National University on Nov 10 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The defensive output of Adamson limited UE’s Momowei to only 12 points on a 5-of-13 shooting to go with 17 boards and three steals. No one else scored in double digits for the Red Warriors.
UE’s 37-point performance was their worst offensive showing since Far Eastern University’s dismal 39-point effort against NU in 2019.
Images courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau
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