The Falcons squeezed past a tight game with a 69-67 win against the Maroons, who was able to overcome a 20-point deficit and pushed for several ties in the duration of the game.

With 18 seconds left in the game, Adamson University center Rodney Brondial followed up a missed shot and broke the tie between his university and opponent University of the Philippines (UP).

Eight seconds later, UP’s Alvin Padilla tried a game-leading three but misses. AdU then held on to the ball to snag their first win in the men’s basketball competition of UAAP Season 75.

Adamson made an early breakaway from their opponent with three-point shooting from Alex Nuyles and a long rally led by Eric Camson, forcing UP to score just once in the remaining six minutes of the first quarter.

But the State U shoved for a comeback with Chris Ball scoring eight in the second quarter. Their improved performance allowed them to field 15 points compared to AdU’s nine, bringing down their foes’ lead to single digit.

The Diliman-based team sustained their dynamism in the next quarter, but the Falcons’ drive was kept alive by Falcons rookie Jericho Cruz, who posted his season high at today’s game at 19 points and four rebounds.

UP exacted a tie by the end of the third quarter through a last second jump shot from its rookie and Energen Pilipinas National Team member Henry Asilum.

By the final quarter, a close game continued with Camson and Cruz leading the Falcons and the Maroon veterans alternating to contain the lead.

Adamson’s win today now ups them past the still winless UP and the University of the East.