Adamson ekes out win against defending champs Ateneo

Going against expectations, the Adamson Soaring Falcons defeated defending champions and heavy favorites Ateneo Blue Eagles, 74-70, to cap off the opening weekend of UAAP Season 81 on Sunday night.

With Adamson holding a slim two-point lead, a Thirdy Ravena tip-in tied the game at 70 with a minute left in the game. In an answer to Ravena, Adamson Big Man Papi Sarr made his own basket off a rebound, 72-70, 38.4 seconds left on the clock. Two free throws from Sean Manganti sealed the deal for the San Marcelino-based squad, 74-70.

Jerick Ahanmisi proved to be the reliable one for Adamson, tallying 23 points for the Falcons. Rookie Vince Magbuhos went all-out as well, registering 10 markers and 10 boards.

Ateneo's Mike Nieto led the Eagles with 21 points, followed by Raffy Verano with 10.

The Falcons will play against DLSU on Saturday, while Ateneo will see action on Wednesday against UP.

Scores:

Adamson: Ahanmisi - 23, Magbuhos - 10, Sarr - 8, Catapusan - 7, Espeleta - 7, Lastimosa - 6, Manganti - 4, Mojica - 3, Pingoy - 3, Camacho - 2, Colonia - 1.

Ateneo: Nieto, Matt - 21, Verano - 10, Asistio - 7, Ravena - 7, Go - 6, Mendoza - 5, Navarro - 5, Black - 4, Nieto, Mike - 4, Kouame - 1.

— Justin Kenneth Carandang/BM, GMA News