IT was almost a clear reversal of roles from the last time Adamson and University of the Philippines met in the UAAP Season 81.
Luckily for the Falcons, the result stayed put.
Adamson nearly blew a 20-point lead but ultimately hung on in the end as it escaped with an 80-72 win over University of the Philippines on Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Arena.
Unlike in their previous meeting, it was Adamson who took control from the onset before fending off a late rally from the Fighting Maroons in the endgame.
UP was within four, 74-70 with 1:32 left in the game, following a Juan Gomez de Liaño three-pointer.
But Sean Manganti was there to break the hearts of the Fighting Maroons anew as he drained a three pointer with 1:14 to restore order for the Falcons.
The win improved Adamson to 8-2 and assured themselves of atleast a playoff for a semis slot. UP on the other hand dropped to fifth place with a 5-6 record.
"Down the stretch, we have to rely on key plays. It just shows that the qualities of our veterans. Despite the run they made, we were able to keep it together," said Franz Pumaren.
"That's the problem. We had a lot of lapses down the stretch. They thought that UP would go down easily. We just have to be consistent on the defensive end until the final buzzer," he added .
Jerrick Ahanmisi led the way for the Falcons with 24 points and six rebounds as Jerom Lastimosa finished with 14 points, four assists and three steals.
Bright Akhuetie led the Fighting Maroons with 24 points and 15 rebounds as Juan Gomez de Liano finished with 15 points and five assists.
The scores:
ADAMSON 80 -- Ahanmisi 24, Lastimosa 14, Sarr 12, Manganti 10, Catapusan 5, V. Magbuhos 4, Pingoy 3, Camacho 3, Mojica 3, Bernardo 2, Zaldivar 0.
UP 72 -- Akhuetie 24, Ju. Gomez de Liano 15, Desiderio 13, Manzo 8, Ja. Gomez de Liano 5, Vito 5, Jaboneta 2, Lim 0, Dario 0, Prado 0, Gozum 0.
Quarters: 12-12, 34-26, 67-48, 80-72.
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