Adamson extends win streak to five with victory over NU

The Adamson Soaring Falcons are now at 5-0 after defeating the National University Bulldogs, 63-58, Saturday at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Bulldogs made a late run on the last period — outscoring the Falcons 23-20 — but the rally was not enough to tarnish Adamson's clean record.

Falcons head coach Franz Pumaren said defense was their key in winning their fifth straight game.

"I guess, we're in this position because our defense are keeping us. We held them down for 58 points. We're not the type of team that can outscore other team. Our offense will just be there, but our defense, we need to make it rock solid," Pumaren said.

"I think NU really prepared well for us. It's a learning experience for us that for us to make it all the way, we should really concentrate on what we're supposed to be doing," the multi-titled coach added.

Sean Manganti registered 14 points for the boys from San Marcelino, while Simon Camacho listed eight points in the crucial fourth period.

Asked about his performance, Camacho said, "Inaantay ko lang 'yong game na pumunta sakin. Ina-accept ko lang lahat ng role na binibigay sa'kin ng coach and ng team."

Dave Ildefonso led the pack of the Bulldogs with 14 points, while Enzo Joson made 11.

Despite the loss, NU head coach Jamike Jarin said things are getting better for the Sampaloc-based squad.

"Right after the game, I told everybody that this is the game that I most enjoyed coaching them. You can see the maturity, the improvement on how it has to be played. They are doing it the right way. I was happy with the way we played in 40 minutes," Jarin said.

Both teams will play against FEU next. The Bulldogs will face the Tamaraws on Wednesday, while the Falcons will battle the Morayta-based squad on Sunday.

"I guess the next week will help us fine tune some of our defense and also to work on some new stuff in preparation for the coming games. We're in this position where every body will try to play their best game against us so we really have to anticipate us," Pumaren said.

The Falcons are currently soaring at the top of the standings with a 5-0 record, while the NU Bulldogs now have a 1-3 win-loss record.

Scores:

AdU (63): Manganti - 14, Ahanmisi - 11, Sarr - 11, Camacho - 8, Espeleta - 4, Lastimosa - 4, Zaldivar - 4, Mojica - 3, Bernardo - 2, Colonia - 2, Catapusan - 0, Magbuhos - 0, Pingoy - 0.

NU (58):  Ildefonso D. - 14, Joson - 11, Rike - 8, Ildefonso, S. - 6, Morido - 6, Galinato - 4, Yu - 3, Clemente - 2, Gaye - 2, Tibayan - 2, Diputado - 0, Gallego - 0, Sinclair - 0.

— Justin Kenneth Carandang / AT, GMA News