DESPITE the gloomy preseason projections thrown its way, Adamson can now boast of a win under its belt.
Banking on their experience, the Soaring Falcons got the better of very green Far Eastern University, 59-47, in a terrible shooting night for both teams to earn their first victory in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament.
Even coach Nash Racela burst out a huge sigh of relief as the San Marcelino side chalked up win No. 1 after all the adversities they endured in the preseason.
"It's gonna be a long season, but at least nakaisa na kami," he said, with Adamson outscoring FEU, 38-22, in the second half on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Falcons' first game high
It helps that experience favored the Soaring Falcons in this season-opener, with their veterans teaming up to recover from a seven-point first quarter.
Royce Mantua was a big spark with his 14 points on 3-of-5 shooting from deep in his first game as in blue and white after transferring from UST.
Mathew Montebon also got 11 points and five boards, as Matty Erolon locked up the game for Adamson by scoring all but two of his 10 points in the fourth period where it held a lead as big as 18 points.
Defense was stout as well for Racela's wards, who held the Tamaraws without a field goal in the final frame until Veejay Pre scored on a layup with 3:55 on the clock.
There's no denying, however, how tight the ring seemed for both teams, with Adamson shooting 30-percent from the field to FEU's 26-percent.
"This is our first game, so 'di ko rin ginulo yung team. Sabi ko lang sa players, whoever will be the first to settle, yun ang mananalo. Fortunately, kami yun," said Racela.
Cedrick Manzano also did his part for the defense of the Soaring Falcons, hauling down 10 rebounds, and contributing three blocks and two steals to go with his four points and three assists.
It was a forgettable debut for Tamaraws coach Sean Chambers, as he saw his highly touted rookies Pre, Janrey Pasaol, and Jedric Daa combine for just 17 points on 7-of-28 shooting.
Jorick Bautista paced FEU with 14 points and seven boards in a game where the Morayta crew shot a horrendous 1-of-21 from distance.
The Scores:
ADAMSON 59 - Mantua 14, Montebon 11, Erolon 10, Ojarikre 6, Yerro 6, Fransman 4, Manzano 4, Ramos 3, Barasi 1, Calisay 0, Anabo 0, Alexander 0, Barcelona 0, Ronzone 0, Dignadice 0, Ignacio 0.
FEU 47 - Bautista 14, Pre 8, Anonuevo 5, Pasaol 5, Alforque 4, Daa 4, Nakai 3, Konateh 2, Ona 2, Bagunu 0.
Quarters: 7-14, 21-25, 39-35, 59-47.
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