Adamson University’s AJ Fransman against University of Santo Tomas’ Amiel Acido in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball. Photo from UAAP Media.
MANILA (UPDATED) — Adamson University ended Round 1 of UAAP Season 88 with a statement 69-59 victory over University of Santo Tomas on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.
AJ Fransman led the Soaring Falcons who concluded the first half of their campaign this year with three wins against four defeats, tallying 18 points, two rebounds, a steal, and an assist.
"We tried to find a way to limit UST below their averages," said Adamson head coach Adamson Racela, who limited the Growling Tigers to their lowest scoring output this year after averaging 100.3 points.
Also factors in their triumph were Ced Manzano who provided might with 12 markers and eight boards, and Ray Allen Torres who listed 10, but it was their second-quarter surge that proved to be the most vital.
Knotted at 22 over six minutes left in the same frame, the Falcons outscored their counterparts, 16-3, for a 38-25 halftime lead following baskets from Fransman, Torres, and Manzano.
Nic Cabañero looked to put some life back into the Growling Tigers’ charge, putting his team to as close as six later in the fourth, 60-54, after a run that ended with still six minutes left in the ball game.
Unfortunately, that was the nearest that UST got as Matty Erolon and Austin Ronzone stepped up to deliver the closing blows for the San Marcelino-based cagers.
Both players scored seven markers each.
On the other hand, this loss halted the three-game win streak of the Growling Tigers despite Cabañero’s game-high 23 points, and Collins Akowe’s 10-point, 16-rebound outing.
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.
Quarterscores: 16-16, 38-25, 53-43, 69-59.