Adamson boots out Lyceum, barges into Filoil semis

Adamson University used a huge third quarter to dispose of Lyceum of the Philippines University, 83-71, and barge into the FilOil EcoOil 15th Preseason Cup semifinals on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

Adamson now awaits the winner of the other semis bracket between San Sebastian College-Recoletos and National University, who will slug it out later at 1 p.m. today.

Holding just a seven-point lead heading to the second half, 32-25, the Soaring Falcons stepped on the gas in the third period, outscoring the Pirates, 30-17, with Joem Sabandal and Joshua Yerro leading the way.

Adamson staged the third quarter rampage despite missing the services of star guard Jerom Lasitmosa.

"I think that it's no secret that it's what we're looking for in our team, everytime that Jerom is out, we're looking for stability. Doon kami nagsa-struggle but slowly the other guys are learning," said Adamson head coach Nash Racela in the post-game interview.

"Sinasadya namin na wala si Jerom sa ibang game."

Lyceum, though, showed some fight in the fourth period with the wards of head coach Gilbert Malabanan pouring 29 markers while limiting Adamson to just 21. But that was not enough as the Falcons soared to the victory.

Yerro led Adamson with 15 points, four assists, and three rebounds while Cedrick Manzano and Sabandal chipped in 15 and nine markers apiece.

John Barba and Mclaude Guadaña paced Lyceum with 19 and 16 points each.

—JMB, GMA News