COUNT on the boys from San Marcelino to complicate things anew in UAAP Season 88.
Adamson was at it again, spoiling the night for University of Santo Tomas with a scrappy 69-59 victory on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
As is the case in every Soaring Falcons win, it was not pretty at all, as their league-best defense limited the Growling Tigers, averaging a league-best 91.67, to their season-low in points.
AJ Fransman, though, made three triples for Adamson, as he showed the way with 18 points, while Cedrick Manzano sealed the deal with two freebies in the last 1:21 to end up with 12 points and eight rebounds.
Ray Allen Torres also got 10 points and three boards to help the Soaring Falcons end the first round with back-to-back triumphs to move up to 3-4, while in the process, halting UST's win run at three.
"I think we just got lucky today because they played their (UST) third game in seven days. We felt they were tired today kaya nabiyayaan din kami," said coach Nash Racela.
That extra boost of energy was seen when Adamson broke the game open from a 22-all deadlock, using a 16-3 jolt to take the 38-25 halftime lead, using that buffer, as they kept the Growling Tigers at bay in the second half.
Adamson spreads its wings
"Malaking bagay yung mga ganung run especially facing the big teams, hindi pwedeng laging close games. Yun ang target namin, to get a lead heading into the crucial parts of the game," said Racela.
Tensions flared late in the game, as black-and-gold coaches did not appreciate Austin Ronzone scoring one last basket when time was about to expire.
The loss was a painful one for the Growling Tigers who dropped to 5-2 in the standings despite Nic Cabanero's 23-point, 5-rebound night.
Collins Akowe registered 10 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks in a game where the Espana side only shot 4-of-20 from distance.
The Scores:
ADAMSON 69 – Fransman 18, Manzano 12, Torres 10, Erolon 7, A. Ronzone 7, Montebon 6, Anabo 4, Ojakire 2, Medina 2, Barcelona 1, Jaymalin 0, Cañete 0, Perez 0, C. Ronzone 0.
UST 59 – Cabañero 23, Akowe 10, Padrigao 7, Calum 6, Llemit 5, Paranada 3, Crisostomo 3, Laure 2, Acido 0, Buenaflor 0, Estacio 0, Danting 0.
Quarters: 16-16, 38-25, 53-43, 69-59.
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