Adamson University’s Ray Allen Torres against University of the Philippines in UAAP Seaosn 88 men’s basketball. Photo from UAAP Media.
MANILA (UPDATED) — Adamson University successfully bounced back from its opening day loss, scoring a statement victory over University of the Philippines.
The Soaring Falcons are finally in the win column of UAAP Season 88 men's basketball after they stunned the Fighting Maroons, 62-59, in their Wednesday matchup at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.
This was the first win of the San Marcelino-based team over State U since Season 84 in 2022, which also sent the defending champions to their first 0-2 start since Season 79 in 2016.
Former UPIS scorer Ray Allen Torres drained the game-winning three-pointer to complete his 10 points with two rebounds, two steals, and an assist, while AJ Fransman equaled the former's scoring output with eight boards and a dime.
"Sanay na ako na kalaban UP, pero yung crowd ng UP na dati kong bahay, extra motivation siguro sa akin," said Torres, who previously averaged 21.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in Season 82 for State U in the high school ranks.
"Dati doon naman ako, pero yun nga, extra motivation yun para sa akin," he added.
However, it was not only the defending champions that Adamson needed to overcome, with Soaring Falcons head coach Nash Racela being left clueless due to some concerns with officiating.
"First time nangyari sa akin yun eh, na apat lang player ko," said Racela, who saw his squad on the floor undermanned from the 1:30 to 1:10 mark after Ced Manzano fouled out.
"I knew that I had some time to fill in [for Ced], pero pinalaro kami ng referee eh," he added.
After the sequence, UP was awarded with possession following an Adamson turnover, and no rewind was done despite the said incident. The score was 57-all at that time.
Fortunately for the Soaring Falcons, Fransman scored on a lay-in to bring his squad back in the driver's seat, and while Gerry Abadiano tied the contest later on, Ray Allen went on to live up to his name.
With only seven seconds left in regulation, Torres sized up Gerry Abadiano and eventually drained a pull-up trey to slam the door on UP and get the win.
Abadiano led State U with a game-high 12 points, while Gani Stevens and Francis Nnoruka scored 12 and 10, respectively.
The Scores:
Adamson 62 -- Fransman 10, Torres 10, Manzano 8, Montebon 8, Anabi 6, A. Ronzone 6, Erolon 6, Barcelona 3, Demisana 2, Medina 2, Tumaneng 1, Perez 0, C. Ronzone 0, Ojarikre 0.
UP 59 -- Abadiano 15, Alarcon 12, Stevens 10, Nnoruka 8, Palanca 4, Torres 4, Fortea 4, Bayla 2, Remogat 0, Felicilda 0, Belmonte 0, Yniguez 0, Alter 0.
Quarterscores: 15-13, 26-24, 46-39, 62-59.