15 September 2019
By Maxine Louise Lagman
MANILA, Philippines – It was season 81 all over again. University of the Philippines and Adamson University were on the same spot last season when the Fighting Maroons fought their way to defeat the Soaring Falcons’ twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four during overtime.
Now, UP rallied their way and claimed another victory over Adamson in an overtime classic, 83-82, Sunday in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“It was almost a lost opportunity for us, but my players, they just did not give up,” said UP head coach Bo Perasol as UP improved to a 2-1 slate. “I just want to give honor to my players for not giving up.”
Juan Gomez de Liano dropped 10 of his 12 points in the third quarter to overcome a 25-41 halftime deficit, to a slim two-point lead at the end of third, 52-50.
Both teams traded baskets until Adamson got hold of a 73-70 lead with only 67 seconds left on the clock. Juan Gomez de Liano went in for a triple to tie the game, but the ball bounced off, 48 ticks left.
Adamson looked to clinch the win, but Jerom Lastimosa committed a crucial turnover in their next possession that led Javi Gomez de Liano put in a trey of his own, tying the match, 73-all. Lastimosa tried for a triple of his own, but to no avail, sending the match to overtime.
The Falcons took control of the game, 82-75 with 2:22 remaining. But their turnovers served as their downfall.
After two charities by Akhuetie made it a five-point game, Lastimosa committed another turnover with a sloppy pass to Jerrick Ahanmisi. Kobe Paras then close the gap with a strong drive to the basket before Jun Manzo stole the ball to Ahanmisi once again to score another layup to make it a one-point game, 82-81, 35 ticks left.
Adamson was in possession, but Ricci Rivero stole the ball from Ahanmisi. Bright Akhuetie got hold of the ball and drew final foul of Lenda Douanga, 2.8 remaining. Akhuetie easily dropped the two charities.
Rivero blocked Lastimosa from making a three-point attempt to clinch the win.
Paras lived up to the hype and led UP with 20 points, six rebounds, one assist, and one steal, while Akhuetie added an 18-point, 18-rebound double-double.
For Adamson, Val Chauca topped with 21 markers, while Ap Manlapaz had 17 points. Douanga added 14 points and 11 rebounds as they dropped to a 2-2 slate.
The Scores:
UP 83 – Paras 20, Akhuetie 18, Ju. Gomez de Liano 12, Murrell 6, Rivero 6, Spencer 6, Webb 6, Manzo 4, Ja. Gomez de Liano 3, Tungcab 2, Gob 0, Jaboneta 0, Mantilla 0, Prado 0.
Adamson 82 – Chauca 21, Manlapaz 17, Douanga 14, Lastimosa 13, Ahanmisi 7, Magbuhos 4, Camacho 2, Flowers 2, Mojica 2, Fermin 0, Yerro 0, Zaldivar 0.
Quarter scores: 18-20, 25-41, 52-50, 73-73, 83-82.
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