Adamson suffers crucial loss to San Beda
The Soaring Falcons kept fighting until the final buzzer, but it was still the San Beda Red Lions who came out on top, 86-81, in the Fil Oil Flying V Pre-Season Tournament, Thursday afternoon, at the San Juan Arena.
Rob Manalang’s hot hand led the Falcons with 19 points including five three-pointers, while Papi Sarr contributed 16 points and hauled in 18 rebounds. Harold Ng also had a sizzling touch as he torched the Lions with 15 points, all of which from beyond the arc.
Down by as much 12 with only three minutes remaining in the final quarter, the Soaring Falcons pushed for one final run. With a crisp display of ball movement, the Falcons sunk two timely three-pointers, courtesy of Manalang and Jerrick Ahanmisi, to cut the lead to six, 83-77, with 1:54 to play. Red Lion Nono Noah made a jumper to make it an eight-point game, 85-77, but Manalang answered right back with a three-pointer, 85-80. Adamson then held down the NCAA powerhouse team, executing a stiff defensive play and eventually forcing San Beda to a 24-sec violation.
Adamson had the chance to cut the lead to just three when Papi Sarr went to the line for a pair of charities. Unfortunately for the Falcons, Sarr was only able to convert one, making it a four-point game 85-81, with 19 ticks remaining.
With time not on their side, Adamson needed to foul intentionally to stop the clock. However, a mental lapse from Falcon JD Tungcab allowed San Beda to waste away time. The Falcons were able to foul with only five seconds remaining in the game, making it too late for the Falcons to stage a comeback.
“We just made a mental mistake in the several [plays] down the line. We just blew it, actually,” said Falcon Head Coach Franz Pumaren after the loss. “I think we’ll be okay. It’s part of the learning process,” he added.
The Falcons actually led by as much as ten, 27-17, late in the first quarter but eventually gave their lead away due to their turnovers. San Beda’s defensive pressure forced Adamson to 18 turnovers and 25 turnover points. San Beda committed nine turnovers and only gave away five points from those errors.
Adamson was able to keep the game close throughout the game using their long distance shooting. The Falcons converted 14 out of their 32 three-point shot attempts, while San Beda only made six out of 15.
With the loss, the Falcons are now tied with the UE Red Warriors at the fourth seed with a 3-3 record. Adamson will face the Red Warriors on Sunday, June 5 at 3:15 p.m for the last quarter-final spot.
