Falcons fall victim to feisty Red Warriors

The Adamson Soaring Falcons succumbed to the previously winless University of the East Red Warriors, 57-64, in the UAAP Season 79 Men's Basketball Tournament, Sunday afternoon, at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City.

Big man Papi Sarr emerged as the top scorer of the San Marcelino-based squad finishing with 13 points and 25 rebounds. Jerrick Ahanmisi followed with 10 points and 5 rebounds in the losing effort.

Despite having the lead for three quarters, Adamson gave away their advantage to the hungry UE squad in the final period.

The Soaring Falcons have managed to establish a comfortable lead from the first period, with UE scoring only half of Adamson’s markings, 14-7.

Adamson seemed in control of their rhythm even in the second frame, as the lead even went up to nine points at the end of the half, 30-21. The Soaring Falcons carried the advantage until the third canto. However, the Red Warriors gained enough momentum to trim Adamson's lead to only five points, 45-40.

By the final quarter, Adamson simply lost control of the game as the Red Warriors' energy dictated the pace of the game. Alvin Pasaol led UE to a 19-3 run in the fourth with 8:35 remaining to give UE the lead, 45-47.

The Falcons also struggled to score in the first few minutes of the fourth due to UE’s relentless defense. With three minutes left, Red Warriors pushed their lead up to seven points. Adamson never regained control of the game, giving UE their first taste of a win.

The Adamson Soaring Falcons now holds a 3-3 win-loss record.

Adamson will have their final match for the first round on October 5, Wednesday, 2:00 pm in the same venue. They will be facing the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers.

BOX SCORES:

ADU: Sarr-13, Ahanmisi-10, Manganti-8, Espeleta-6, Manalang-5, Ochea-5, Tungcab-5, Bernardo-3, Camacho-2

UE: Pasaol-13, De Leon-12, Batiller-9, Manalang-7, Bartolome-5, Olayon-5, Varilla-5, Charcos-2, Derige-2, Palma-2, Penuela-2