Adamson adds to FEU’s woes, cruises to second win
MANILA, Philippines – Adamson piled more misery on winless FEU as the Soaring Falcons squeaked out a 76-65 victory in the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, October 12.
Vince Magbuhos set personal bests against the hapless Tamaraws as he erupted for a career high 23 points built on 7 triples.
The 6-foot-5 hotshot also stuffed the stat sheet with 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks to complete a stellar performance for the Falcons, who climbed to a 2-2 tie with La Salle and UE.
Supporting the Magbuhos was Jerom Lastimosa, who poured in 13 points while grabbing 9 boards, 2 assists and 2 steals.
Lenda Duoanga also chipped in 10 boards to go along with 7 points for the Falcons.
The Tamaraws, who are off to their worst start in 16 years, slipped to their fourth straight loss.
Adamson got hot right off the bat as they reeled off a 17-4 start behind the scoring of Jm Sabandal, Cedrick Manzano and Magbuhos, who scored back-to-back losses midway through the first quarter.
There was a flurry of points from Adamson in the opening 6 minutes, but they had a dry spell towards the end of the quarter that allowed FEU to creep closer and cut the deficit to 17-8.
The Adamson break didn’t last long, however, as it opened the second frame with a field goal and even pushed the lead back to 12 points, 23-11, after Manzano’s bucket at the 6:47 mark.
But just like the end of the first quarter, Adamson was unable to finish strong and allowed the Tamaraws to get back into the game with a 10-3 run to cut the lead to single digits once again, 31-27.
FEU sharpshooter Xyrus Torres, who has struggled throughout the campaign, had a tough time hitting baskets at the start of the game, but eventually found his touch in the short spurt.
He finished the first half with 6 points on a pair of three-pointers and carried that form into the following half as he continued to drain triples to keep his team afloat in the game.
However, Lastimosa and Magbuhos canceled out Torres’ scoring effort as they combined for a total of 14 points in the third quarter to build a 55-41 lead for Adamson entering the final frame.
The Falcons remained hot in the fourth quarter, as they even established a 63-47 advantage — their largest of the game — after another Magbuhos layup at 7:27.
Magbuhos then knocked down another three-pointer at the 6:33 mark to restore a 16-point lead, 66-50, as the Falcons never looked back and hummed to their second victory.
Patrick Sleat top scored for the Tamaraws with 18 points on an impressive 6-of-12 shooting from the field. He also had a rebound, an assist and 3 steals.
Torres finished with 14 points built on an efficient 4-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc.
The Tamaraws will aim for their first win on Saturday, October 15, when they take on the La Salle Green Archers at 2 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Falcons will return to action on the same day as they battle the NU Bulldogs at 4 p.m.
The scores
Adamson 76 – V. Magbuhos 23, Lastimosa 13, Manzano 8, Douanga 7, Jaymalin 6, Yerro 5, Hanapi 4, Flowers 4, Sabandal 4, Fuentebella 2, Colonia 0, Torres 0, Barasi 0, Barcelona 0, W. Magbuhos 0.
FEU 65 – Sleat 18, Torres 14, Sajonia 8, Alforque 5, Celzo 5, Gonzales 4, Anonuevo 4, Sandagon 4, Tempra 2, Tchuente 1, Bautista 0, Gravera 0, Guibao 0, Bagunu 0.
Quarter: 17-8, 31-27, 55-41, 76-65.
– Rappler.com
