Falcons claw Warriors

MANILA, Philippines -- Adamson U played as spoiler when it ward off University of the East, 74-71, Saturday in the UAAP Season 78 men's basketball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Papi Sarr's monster game carried the Falcons early in the game then went on Joseph Nalos in the endgame to kill whatever hopes of a Warriors' comeback.

Sarr had 22 points and hauled down 20 boards while Nalos finished with 11 markers, including two clutch free throws that sealed their third win.

Rookie DJ Tungcab chipped in 14 points for the Falcons who weathered the storm that saw the Warriors nearly wiping out their once-commanding 20-point lead.

Clark Derige followed up his career game with 17 points to lead UE but it was not enough this time as the Warriors failed to build a momentum off its big upset of UST Growling Tigers in their previous game.

The Warriors slipped to 4-8 win-loss card and moved further down the standings behind NU (5-7) and La Salle (5-6) in the hunt for the last Final Four spot.