10 November 2018
By Maxine Louise Lagman
Manila, Philippines – The Adamson University took a late rally in the game to defeat the gritty University of the East, 81-72, in the UAAP Season 94 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With the win, Adamson secured their place at second spot with a 10-3 win-loss record. Another win in their next game or if De La Salle University lost to their opponent, AdU will have the twice-to-beat advantage.
The Soaring Falcons were outscored in the opening quarter, with UE blasting a dominating 20-3 lead thanks to the leadership of veterans Alvin Pasaol and Philip Manalang.
Coach Franz Pumaren called for a much needed time out in the four-minute mark and regrouped his squad for a better outing in the final minutes of the first quarter and the team happily obliged with an 18-0 run that cut the lead to only three, 21-24.
Adamson and UE answered back-to-back points that put the game on a 40-all dreadlock at the end of the first half.
Down six points in the third quarter, 53-59, shooters Sean Manganti and Jerrick Ahanmisi exploded consecutive baskets that gave Adamson the lead, 67-59.
Adamson continued its ways as the Red Warriors failed to make a comeback until time ran out.
Ahanmisi finished with 23 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Manganyi chipped in 19 markers, two steals and two assists.
Jerom Lastimosa had 10 points, four dimes and three rebounds off the bench.
On the other hand, Pasaol led UE with 24-point, 10-rebound double-double on top of three steals, while Manalang had 19 markers as they dropped to a 1-12 slate.
The Scores:
ADAMSON 85 – Ahanmisi 23, Manganti 19, Lastimosa 10, Sarr 9, Camacho 7, Catapusan 6, Pingoy 5, Espeleta 4, Zaldivar 2, Mojica 0, Magbuhos 0, Bernardo 0, Colonia 0
UE 72 – Pasaol 24, Manalang 19, Cullar 12, Bartolome 8, Gallardo 5, Varilla 4, Strait 0, Antiporda 0, Beltran 0, Conner 0, Gagate 0
QUARTER SCORES: 21-24, 40-40, 65-59, 85-72
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