The Adamson Soaring Falcons prevented a late-game collapse to squeak past the win-hungry University of the East Red Warriors, 56-53, in their UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball battle Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Adamson has won three games in a row to rise to a 4-4 win-loss record, right behind fourth-seeded La Salle (4-3).
The Falcons are also now tied with the slumping Ateneo squad.
Ced Manzano had a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds to go with three assists, two blocks and a steal. Manu Anabo chipped in eight markers and eight boards along with four dimes.
The Falcons had the advantage for almost the whole game, as they kept their opponents at bay.
But UE managed to get the lead late in the game with a putback by DJ Robles that pushed the Red Warriors up, 50-49, with 2:54 left.
But Austin Ronzone sank a right corner triple on the other end, which put the San Marcelino-based squad up for good, 52-50.
This was followed by a jumper by Earl Medina, which kept their opponents at arm’s length, 54-40, with 1:42 remaining.
UE remained alive despite turnovers and misses, but a pair of free throws by Matty Erolon iced the game, 56-50, with 15.2 seconds left.
A late triple by John Abate made it a one-point game, 53-56, with 2.1 seconds to go, but UE could not foul in time as the clock melted away.
AJ Fransman and Erolon had seven points apiece for the Soaring Falcons, who are now well within the Final Four conversation.
Abate spearheaded his squad 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block. Precious Momowei dropped another double-double of 15 markers, 14 boards, two swats, two pilfers and a dime for the Red Warriors, who slipped to 0-8.
UE wing Wello Lingolingo will still be out for another game, while head coach Chris Gavina will sit out two more contests.