The Adamson Soaring Falcons showed grit in their opening game as they squeaked out a 56-53 win against the FEU Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament opener at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After three quarters, the Soaring Falcons trailed the Tamaraws, 37-46, but Precious Jonah, Mathew Montebon, Manu Anabo, Matty Erolon, and Mat Edding took control of the game to turn the deficit into a 54-51 lead with two minutes remaining.
Rookie Cabs Cabonillas cut the lead to one, 53-54, but Erolon answered back to seal the win for the Soaring Falcons.
Adamson Gets Contributions From Multiple Players
With the five players sharing the scoring load for Adamson, Cabonillas was the only Tamaraw to score in the final quarter, putting up seven points.
“We’re just very thankful that we were able to get the win. It’s a tough battle every time we play FEU. They really made it hard for us also. At some point sa game, we were kinda lost, and that’s because of what FEU did to us. It just so happened that our players were able to gather and group themselves together,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela.
Montebon led the Soaring Falcons with 18 points and four steals, while Erolon added eight points and five rebounds. Nigerian center Jonah finished the game with eight points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks.
Cabonillas posted 11 points and 12 rebounds in his collegiate debut, while reigning MVP Janrey Pasaol finished with 11 points and 5 assists. Graduating guard Jorick Bautista had an off game, finishing with 9 points.
The Soaring Falcons will next take on the Ateneo Blue Eagles on September 26, Saturday, at 12:00 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Later that day at 2:30 p.m., the Tamaraws will battle the UE Red Warriors.
