Host Adamson gores UP to start with a bang

MANILA, Philippines — Spitfire Jericho Cruz fueled a second-half rally as season host Adamson University blew out University of the Philippines, 79-67, in the 76th UAAP men’s basketball tournament Sunday, June 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The athletic wingman spearheaded the Soaring Falcons with 19 markers as he and Cameroonian behemoth Ingrid Sewa combined for 22 points in the second half, when the San Marcelino cagers broke the game wide open.

“I just wanted to win,” said Cruz, who skipped practice for a dance rehearsal as part of the UAAP opening ceremonies. “I don’t mind the fatigue.”

It was a nip-and-tuck affair from the beginning, as the Fighting Maroons’ Tata Marata and Adamson’s Roider Cabrera traded long range jumpers.

After leading 36-28 at the half, the Falcons went on a crippling 15-2 assault to build a seemingly insurmountable 53-35 advantage midway through the 3rd quarter. 

However, UP refused to roll over and die, crawling back with a 14-2 run of their own to trim it to 55-49.

That proved to be the Maroons’ last hurrah, though, as the Falcons shoved ahead in the final period.

Head coach Leo Austria lauded his backcourt players Ar-raouf Julkipli and Axel Inigo for filling in the void left by Ryan Monteclaro, who played sparsely after his mother passed away before the season began.

“I’m happy to see Julkipli and Inigo play,” said the ABL Coach of the Year. “They know how to bring the ball down and set up plays. We have big men to go to and have the wings as well.”

Austria also emphasized the importance of Sewa’s presence as the hulking center was a significant factor in the Falcons’ 53-29 mauling of UP on the rebounding department.

“(Rodney) Brondial was able to slide down to the 4 with Sewa’s presence,” Austria added. “Because of Ingrid, UP’s big men got into foul trouble.”

Marata paced the Maroons with 20 points while Raul Soyud and Ensoy Asilum added 10 apiece. – Rappler.com