UAAP: Adamson holds on to keep UE winless

Adamson University’s Ced Manzano in action against University of the East in UAAP Season 88. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA (UPDATED) — Adamson University survived a gritty University of the East side for a 56-53 victory in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Ced Manzano led the Soaring Falcons with an 11-point, 10-rebound outing on top of three assists and two blocks, allowing the San Marcelino-based cagers to post their fourth win in eight appearances so far, keeping their Final 4 hopes still within reach.

”Hindi pa kami patay. We’re still head above water, and yun lang naman ang gusto namin — to have a chance moving forward,” said Adamson coach Nash Racela, whose squad received timely help from Austin Ronzone and John Medina to fend off the winless Red Warriors.

With the Soaring Falcons facing a 49-50 disadvantage, Ronzon drained a go-ahead three-pointer, while Medina made a deuce for a 54-50 AdU lead with still 1:42 left in the contest.

This left UE with enough time to avoid yet another loss, but John Abate and Dylan Despi missed on their shots before the former made a late triple as the buzzer sounded to make it only a three-point game.

Precious Momowei was solid anew for the Red Warriors, hacking out 15 markers, 14 boards, two blocks, and two steals, but these went for naught as the Red Warriors fell to their eighth straight loss this year, and 14 straight overall dating back to Round 2 of Season 87.

Abate led UE with 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, but his five turnovers did not help the Red Warriors who were still without head coach Chris Gavina and ace player Wello Lingolingo who were still serving their suspensions.

The Scores:

AdU 56 - Manzano 11, Anabo 8, Fransman 7, Erolon 7, Torres 5, Medina 5, A. Ronzone 3, Ojarikre 3, Cañete 3, Montebon 2, Demisana 2, C. Ronzone 0, Perez 0, Jaymalin 0, Barcelona 0, Tumaneng 0.

UE 53 – Abate 16, Momowei 15, Caoile 6, Lagat 6, Robles 4, Despi 2, Tañedo 2, Cabero 2, Rosete 0, Datumalim 0, Mulingtapang 0, Cruz-Dumont 0.

Quarterscores: 21-17, 36-28, 47-43, 56-53.