MANILA, Philippines — The Adamson Soaring Falcons mounted an emphatic comeback even without their leading scorers to stun the UST Growling Tigers, 56-55, in the UAAP Season 85 men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
Despite missing the services of both Jerom Lastimosa and Vince Magbuhos due to injury, Adamson erased a deficit as big as 19 points midway through the third quarter when they were down, 28-47.
A 20-3 run got the Soaring Falcons within two, 48-50, with 6:15 ticks left in the fourth salvo.
But it was Cedrick Manzano's and-one conversion in the endgame that pulled Adamson over the hump to give Adamson a 56-55 lead with 7.1 ticks remaining.
Manzano's free throw, after he was fouled by Miguel Pangilinan, gave Adamson its first lead since 6-4 early in the first salvo.
JC Garing could not convert in the next possession for UST who were sent reeling to their 8th straight loss.
Manzano finished with 19 points, and 10 rebounds to pace Adamson to their 4th win of the season as they improved to 4-5.
For him, being without both Lastimosa and Magbuhos served as a motivation to fill in their roles as they are sidelined.
"Masaya kasi siyempre nakabawi nga kami sa kanila. Iniisip nga namin na this is an opportunity para sa amin na mag-step up talaga, kahit wala 'yung iba." said Manzano.
Lenda Douanga added nine markers and 12 boards for Adamson.
Nic Cabanero, who was left frustrated after a no-call on a last gasp second chance basket as time expired, led UST in the losing effort with 22 points, six boards, one assist, and one steal.
Both teams return to action on November 17 after the FIBA break. Adamson faces La Salle next while UST collides with Ateneo.
The Scores:
- ADAMSON 56 -- Manzano 19, Douanga 9, Torres 8, Jaymalin 6, Sabandal 4, Colonia 4, Barasi 4, Yerro 2, Hanapi 0, Flowers 0, Fuentebella 0, W. Magbuhos 0.
- UST 55 -- Cabanero 22, Pangilinan 9, Manaytay 6, Manalang 5, Garing 5, Faye 3, Calimag 3, Duremdes 2, Lazarte 0, Gesalem 0, Mantua 0, Herrera 0, Escobido 0.
- Quarters: 11-17, 19-31, 40-50, 56-55.