FEU gets first win of title defense season vs Adamson

MANILA, Philippines – The defending champion FEU Tamaraws earned their first win of UAAP Season 79 by defeating the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 75-65, on Sunday, September 11, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

After both teams went back and forth in the first half, FEU pulled away in the later stages of the third period and hit the important shots late in the fourth quarter to close the deal.

The Tamaraws limited the Falcons to 38% shooting in the game and forced 18 turnovers which led to 19 FEU points. 

“I think guys just helping each other out, because they really have good players, so we just put extra attention on their shooters – especially [Robbie] Manalang and [Jerrick] Ahanmisi,” Tamaraws head coach Nash Racela said about his team’s defensive effort. 

FEU had 13 players score in the game, led by the 13 points each of Axel Inigo and Richard Escoto. Raymar Jose also played well with 11 pints and 12 boards.

Adamson had one last shot at a comeback after Manalang hit a 3-pointer to get the Falcons within 7, 66-59. with a little over 3 minutes left. But on the next FEU play, Inigo – the brother of former Tamaraws player Achie – converted a layup despite getting fouled to make it a 9-point lead.

Following a Papi Sarr split at the foul line, Escoto was fouled on a drive but was unable to take the free throws after getting hurt on the collision. Allen Trinidad then came in to sink both charities which sealed the win for his club.

Ahanmisi led Adamson with 19 points and 5 boards, while Sarr added 11 points and 7 rebounds. – Rappler.com