Adamson escapes UE’s hot start, tightens hold on second spot

The Adamson Soaring Falcons escaped the hot UE Red Warriors to solidify their hold on the second spot of the standings, 85-72, Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After tying the game at the end of the first half at 40, the San Marcelino-based squad dominated the second half, making 25 against UE's 19 during the third and 20 against 13 during the final period.

The Recto-based squad led as much as 17 points early in the game, 20-3 at the 4:30 mark in the first period, but the Falcons had its own run to end at 24-21, in favor of the Joe Silva-mentored team.

JUST IN: Adamson Soaring Falcons make a come back to defeat the UE Red Warriors, 85-72. (Photo: Zeke Alonzo) #UAAPSeason81 | via @jk_carandang pic.twitter.com/6jfbnrZwYd

— GMA News (@gmanews) November 10, 2018

Adamson Coach Franz Pumaren said it was a good thing that they regrouped after a slow start for their team. "That's the problem sometimes when you have a flat start, thinking the opposing team will just roll over. It was a different scenario. They were aggressive. They were enjoying the game. Stress-free sila, pressure-free. It's a good thing we were able to regroup and I gave them some sweet nothings during the half time."

Sean Manganti said being complacent was one of their problems early in the game. "We just came out complacent, we thought we were gonna just dominate them but we came out flat and we got back in the second half," he said.

Jerrick Ahanmisi led the Falcons with 23 points, while Manganti chipped in 19 points.

Alvin Pasaol, as usual, topped the Warriors by scoring 24 points with 10 rebounds, while Philip Manalang made 19 markers.

With the win, Adamson now tightens its hold on the second spot with 10 wins and three losses, while UE holds a 1-12 record.

The Falcons will end their elimination round Sunday next week against the FEU Tamaraws.

"They're the only team that we [haven't] beat this year. Hopefully we can even things out," Pumaren said.

UE will try to end the season on a winning note as they face the NU Bulldogs next Sunday as well.

Scores:

Adamson (85) -- Ahanmisi - 23, Manganti - 19, Lastimosa - 10, Sarr - 9, Camacho - 7, Catapusan - 6, Pingoy - 5, Espeleta - 4, Zaldivar - 2, Bernardo - 0, Colonia -0, Magbuhos - 0, Mojica - 0.

UE (72) -- Pasaol - 24, Manalang - 19, Cullar - 12, Bartolome - 8, Gallardo - 5, Varilla - 4, Antiporda - 0, Beltran -0, Conner -0, Gagate - 0, Strait -0.

— MDM, GMA News