ALL things must pass, and on Saturday, the slide did for Adamson, at long last.
The Soaring Falcons put an end to their misery, halting their three-game losing skid in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament thanks to a methodical 77-62 victory vs. University of the East at Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.
It was a defensive masterclass in the fourth quarter for the San Marcelino boys, holding down their Recto counterparts to just four points.
But it was exactly what Adamson needed to do, as it lost grip of a 23-point advantage and allowed the Red Warriors to briefly take the lead courtesy of a 33-point third quarter eruption, capped off by a Kristoper Lagat three.
Of course, it ain't over 'til it's over, and it was the Soaring Falcons who finished the job in the last 10 minutes of the game to hike their record to 2-3.
Rookie forward Earl Medina finally had his best game to date, starting off hot in the first half and fired 15 points, six rebounds, and two assists, while Ray Allen Torres led the way with 16 points on 3-of-4 shooting from distance, on top of three boards and three dimes.
Cedrick Manzano put the exclamation point on the win with his three with 44.2 seconds left, as he wound up with nine points, four assists, and three rebounds.
Adamson's lessons continue
Still, that horrid third quarter was still on the mind of coach Nash Racela when he faced the press post-game, saying, "We didn't do our part in the third quarter. It just shows how explosive UE could be and it's something that we keep on emphasizing sa players namin. We just have to play consistently on defense."
"Buti na lang sa fourth, we were able to recover," the mentor said, as Adamson held UE to a solitary field goal in the final canto.
John Abate, as always, led the still-winless Red Warriors with 17 points, seven rebounds, and two boards. They also drew big games from DJ Robles, who had 14 points and three boards, and Lagat, who scored all of his eight points in the third period.
The Scores:
ADAMSON 77 - Torres 16, Medina 15, Manzano 9, Anabo 7, A. Ronzone 7, Fransman 6, Erolon 4, Ojarikre 4, Tumaneng 3, Canete 3, Perez 2, C. Ronzone 1, Montebon 0, Jaymalin 0, Demisana 0, Barcelona 0.
UE 62 - Abate 17, Robles 14, Lingolingo 9, Lagat 8, Momowei 7, Malaga 5, Mulingtapang 2, Tanedo 0, Jimenez 0, Capile 0, Despi 0, Cruz-Dumont 0.
Quarters: 29-15, 45-25, 57-58, 77-62.
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