Matty Erolon drained the game-winning triple to cap Adamson University’s improbable come-from-behind 97-96 victory over University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Soaring Falcons looked finished after trailing 80-88 with 32.2 seconds left in regulation, but the Growling Tigers missed five of six free throws, allowing coach Pido Jarencio’s squad to stay alive.
Down 86-89 following two free throws by Ray Allen Torres with 9.5 seconds left, UST called a timeout to advance the ball.
Adamson, however, forced a turnover as Cedrick Manzano and Torres double-teamed Kyle Paranada, who then lost the ball. This led to Monty Montebon’s three-pointer with 1.6 seconds remaining, sending the game into overtime.
In the extra period, down 94-96, Erolon drilled a triple and drew a foul with 2.6 seconds left to put the Soaring Falcons ahead. Although he missed the bonus free throw, the Growling Tigers failed to capitalize on their final possession, sealing their downfall.
Adamson extended its winning streak to four games, tying UST at 5-4, just one game behind defending champion University of the Philippines (6-3) at second place. Not only are the Soaring Falcons in Final Four contention, but they also entered the twice-to-beat conversation.
“We’re developing grit. I huddled the team after, I thanked them for not giving up. I go back to the first round sabi ko ‘paano namin tatalunin ang UST? Kapag nakatono’. Today, we were out of tune, it was a struggle… it’s good that our players played for each other,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela.
(“We’re building grit. I gathered the team after the game and thanked them for not giving up. I remember back in the first round thinking, ‘How are we going to beat UST if we play like this?’ Today, we were a bit off and it was a struggle… but it’s great that our players stepped up and played for each other.”)
The Soaring Falcons’ late fourth-quarter comeback combined clutch shots with UST’s miscues. In overtime, a missed free throw opened the door once more for Adamson as Collins Akowe split his freebies with 35.9 seconds remaining.
Although UST managed an offensive rebound, Gelo Crisostomo missed a wide-open triple with 13 seconds left, setting the stage for Erolon’s game-winner.
The Soaring Falcons and Growling Tigers, who suffered their third straight loss, are now tied for fourth place with identical 5-4 records. Adamson swept UST in the elimination round after also winning the first round, 69-59.
“Nung nakita ko na si Ray umatake, alam ko nang iki-kick out niya… nakita ko pinasa niya kay Monty and ‘yung tao ko which is si Forthsky naghelp sa kaniya. Nakita ko ‘yun so pagsalo ko ng bola, shoot with confidence lang talaga ako,” said Erolon, who finished with nine points, none more important than his game-winner.
(“When I saw Ray driving, I knew he was going to kick it out… I saw him pass to Monty and my guy, Forthsky, was helping him. I noticed that, so when I caught the ball, I just shot with confidence.”)
Torres led four Falcons in double figures with 20 points, 15 of which came in the fourth quarter. Montebon contributed 19 points, seven assists, and four rebounds, while Manzano tallied 19 points, seven rebounds, four steals, three assists, and two blocks.
Adamson will aim for five straight wins on Sunday against Far Eastern University at the same venue.
Akowe paced UST with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks, while Mark Llemit added 18 points and 10 rebounds. Forthsky Padrigao and Kyle Paranada contributed 14 points each, while Nic Cabañero struggled with just 10 points on 4-of-14 shooting.
UST will look to end its losing streak next Wednesday against University of the Philippines, also at the MOA Arena.
The Scores:
AdU (97) – Torres 20, Montebon 19, Manzano 19, Medina 10, Erolon 9, Anabo 8, Fransman 5, Ojarikre 4, A. Ronzone 3, Tumaneng 0, Perez 0, Demisana 0, Jaymalin 0, Cañete 0, Barcelona 0.
UST (96) – Akowe 19, Llemit 18, Padrigao 14, Paranada 14, Cabañero 10, Acido 8, Crisostomo 8, Estacio 3, Danting 2, Laure 0, Calum 0.
Quarterscores: 23-20, 47-42, 59-64, 89-89, 97-96
