Adamson University saved their best for last as the erstwhile winless squad avenged its first round loss against the University of the Philippines (UP), beating them, 67-63, in the final game of the UAAP men’s basketball eliminations at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday.
After trailing early on at 12-24, the Falcons were towed by Don Trollano as the graduating swingman minced the Maroon defense on dribble drives and isolation plays in the third quarter to level the game at 34-34.
Trollano’s teammates then responded when he played decoy, with Ivan Villanueva, Axel Inigo, William Polican, and Dawn Ochea responded with consecutive baskets to put the Falcons ahead, 50-45.
Trollano then opened the fourth quarter converting two shots off one-on-one plays as Ochea and Jessie Pedrosa converted their freebies as the Falcons surged to a 57-45 lead.
While the Maroons forced consecutive turnovers against the Falcons, the lead proved to be insurmountable as UP failed to convert of open jumpers and putbacks.
UP’s sophomore point guard Diego Dario though exploded for five straight points off a pull-up trey and two free throws to tie the score at 63-63 with a minute left but the Falcons instantly responded with an easy layup by Ochea by breaking UP’s fullcourt press in just seven seconds for a 65-63 lead.
In the ensuing plays, UP’s Kyles Lao missed an open trey and in the last seconds, the Falcons clamped down on Mikee Reyes’s three-point attempt as the shot of the graduating Maroon airballed.
With 1.6 seconds left, Inigo swished two free throws for a 67-63 and the Falcons first win of the season and tying the Maroons at last place with a 1-13 card.
“Sweet victory. We ended up the season on a winning note. It’s a good sign for the program,” said a gleeful Adamson head coach Kenneth Duremdes after the game.
The rookie head coach dedicated the game to his three graduating seniors—Trollano, Jansen Rios, and Ryan Monteclaro—who were the three top scorers for the Falcons this season.
Trollano led the Falcons with 21 points and 12 rebounds while Dario led the Maroons with 13 points.
