Falcons survive Heavy Bombers in Filoil Hanes Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Adamson U missed 24 free throw attempts but made five of their last six charities to salvage a 71-70 win over Jose Rizal U, for their third win in seven games and kept their quarterfinal bid alive for the Filoil Flying V preseason Hanes Cup at the Arena in San Juan yesterday.

Ryan Monteclaro made all four of his points from the stripe, including the dagger freebies with 5.8 ticks left to keep the Falcons afloat, 71-67, before Nate Matute of JRU (3-4) sank a triple as the game expired.

“Our last three games were hard-fought games, I’m happy we won and my point guard showed character and maturity,” said coach Leo Austria, whose wards made only 21 of their 45 free throw attempts, keeping the Heavy Bombers close throughout the game.

Jericho Cruz sizzled with 19 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Eric Camson scattered 18 markers and hauled down 14 boards as Rodney Brondial scored 11 points and eight rebounds for AdU, who also got 12 markers from Roider Cabrera.

The Falcons were down, 33-38, at halftime, but Cruz tied the game at 51 with two straight baskets going to the payoff quarter.

Phillip Mabulac essayed a monstrous output of 23 points and 14 rebounds as Nate Matute scored 13 points while Stephen Villarias and Carlos Monserat combine for 14 points for JRU, who came up short to steal the victory and is tied with AdU.