Falcons disarm Warriors

MANILA, Philippines — Adamson got a shot in the arm with a gutsy 45-37 win over University of the East to stay in the thick of the Final Four race in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Falcons stamped a defensive masterclass on the usually potent Warriors’ offense, limiting them to their lowest scoring output since the computerization of the stats in 2003. Adamson’s win also marked the lowest combined points (82) between two teams since NU drubbed Adamson, 62-25, in 2014. Adamson’s 25 was the lowest in UAAP history to date.

It’s also the UAAP’s lowest score in the post-pandemic era since FEU’s 39-61 blowout loss to National U in 2019 as Adamson’s defensive brilliance got it back on track after five straight losses in over a month to own solo spot just outside the Final Four picture at 4-7.

Santo Tomas is clinging to the fourth place at 5-6, UE at 6-4 for solo third while last year’s finalists La Salle and University of the Philippines are both safely into the Final Four.

“This is something that we really need,” said coach Nash Racela.

“Our players were doing their part even with the five straight losses that we had. Sabi namin, just continue on doing the right things and eventually you’ll get that win,” he added.

The Falcons did behind the 14 points of AJ Fransman, who registered eight in their telling 10-0 run to start the fourth period that turned a one-point lead to a sudden 43-32 gap.

Fransman added nine rebounds, Matt Erolon chipped in the same output while anchor Cedrick Manzano collared a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double.