Adamson's Sabandal atones for flat start with clutch plays in win vs Red Warriors

MANILA, Philippines -- Crucial plays by Adamson's Joem Sabandal in the fourth quarter were his way of getting back from his slow start in the third quarter of the Falcons' UAAP Season 86 game against UE, the  guard said.

With the Red Warriors leading by one, 58-57, following a Rey Remogat layup, Sabandal hit a finger roll to give the Soaring Falcons a one-point lead, 59-58.

A split from the line extended the lead to two, 60-58.

Didap Hanapi nailed a 3-pointer to give Adamson a 63-58 lead with 5:35 remaining.

While Remogat tied the game with 4:39 remaining, Sabandal hit an and-one layup off the curl to give them a 66-63 lead.

It sparked an 8-0 run capped by a Monty Montebon three pointer with 38.4 seconds left.

It was just enough to keep the Red Warriors at bay and secure the win, 72-65.

Sabandal acknowledged that he started slow in the third quarter, as UE clawed back from being down 15 points.

"I am thankful that Coach Nash gave me a chance in the fourth quarter, because I started slow in the third quarter," Sabandal told reporters in Filipino.

"So my goal from the very start is to stop Remogat. From the first quarter, I was tasked to stop, and then in the second half, I relaxed," he added.

During the period, Remogat caught fire en route to 27 points, 23 of which came in the second half.

"What happened in the fourth, it was just to get revenge on my performance," Sabandal reiterated.

Sabandal finished with eight points, five assists, a steal and a block.