Falcons tame winless Tigers
The Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons narrowly escaped the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 75-70, in the second round of the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena Wednesday. The game was a close one with 16 total lead changes and seven ties; the game-deciding moment occurred at the closing minutes.
Jerrick Ahanmisi [right] shoots while Jordan Sta. Ana [left] attempts to block. Photo by Arvin Lim of ABS-CBN Sports.
Growling Tigers’ Jeepy Faundo tied the game at 66 with one minute and 56 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, but Papi Sarr of the Falcons spearheaded a 7-2 run to give them an upper hand with a five-point lead. Carlo Escalambre of the Tigers then swished a decisive three-pointer to keep the Falcons at bay, 71-73. The Falcons, led by Jerrick Ahanmisi, then sparked another 7-2 run in the last two minutes that gave the Falcons a much-needed breathing room after a choking hard-fought game against the win-hungry Tigers. Falcons’ main gunner Ahanmisi scored 21 points, and Sarr added 12 points to deny the Growling Tigers their first win. The Tigers were led by Reggie Basibas with 17 points, along with Jeepy Faundo’s 12 markers. With another loss against the Falcons, the Tigers descended further into the abyss with a dismal 0-11. The next opponent of the Falcons will be the National University Bulldogs on Oct. 29, 4 p.m. at the MOA Arena, while the Tigers will face the defending champion De La Salle University Green Archers at 2 p.m. on the same date and venue. Box scores:
AdU 75 – Ahanmisi 21, Sarr 12, Pingoy 7, Ochea 7, Espeleta 6, Manganti 5, Lojera 5, Camacho 4, Manalang 3, Mustre 3, Hill 2, Bernardo 0, Zaldivar 0, Chua 0 UST 70 – Basibas 17, Faundo 12, Akomo 10, De Guzman 9, Escalambre 8, Sta. Ana 7, Caunan 4, Lee 3, Macasaet 0, Garcia 0, Romero 0 Quarter scores: 22-19, 37-33, 48-49, 75-70