Winless no more: Adamson triumphs in season ender over UP

MANILA, Philippines – No team in the men’s basketball tournament of the UAAP’s 77th season will finish their campaign at 0-14. 

The Adamson Soaring Falcons came close, but avoided their first winless campaign since 2001 by beating the UP Fighting Maroons, 67-63, to finish their season on Tuesday afternoon, September 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

Right after the final buzzer sounded and the win was assured, an emotional Coach Kenneth Duremdes was brought to tears after attaining the first ever victory in his college coaching career. 

“Ganito pala dito?” Duremdes said after the game as he approached the winning coach’s post-game media session for the first time. 

(So this is what it’s like?) 

“We ended up the season on a winning note, so it’s a good sign that our program, and the dedication of the players, are positive. Everything went to positive,” he added. 

Don Trollano had 21 points and 12 rebounds, Jansen Rios had 11 and 7, while Ryan Monteclaro finished with 7 markers and four assists to lead the Soaring Falcons. All three played their last game for the university on Tuesday. 

“This is all for the three guys who will be graduating this year,” Duremdes said about the win.  

But he also made sure to thank everyone else. 

“This victory also is for all the supporters and students and communities involved in this program.” 

“This is all for you and we thank you for the unending support.” 

UP was spearheaded by Diego Dario, who put up 13 points. Kyles Lao finished wih 11, while Moriah Gingerich had 10.

Mikee Reyes and JR Gallarza finished with 9 and 7 markers, respectively. 

"Ganito pala dito?" – Coach Kenneth after making it to the winner’s post game for the first time. #rstream pic.twitter.com/rC4R7XTMNf

— Naveen Ganglani (@naveenganglani) September 16, 2014

After trailing for most of the third quarter, UP rallied in the fourth period and found itself down by only 5, 63-58, with a little over two minutes to go in the contest. 

With time winding down on the clock, Dario hit a tough step-back three-pointer to cut the Adamson lead to two. After the Falcons failed to score on the subsequent possession, Dario got fouled and hit the two pressure-packed free throws to tie the count at 63-all. 

With their lead gone, AdU turned to Dawn Ochea, who converted a tough lay-up to put his club back up two with 57.8 seconds remaining in the contest. 

Despite a few empty plays, the Fighting Maroons received the ball back with 20.2 seconds to go. However, Reyes missed a step-back triple over two defenders, which allowed the Soaring Falcons to ice the game at the foul line.

Adamson outrebounded by UP, who beat them last time both squads squared off, by 6, 50-44. The Falcons also won despite committing 21 turnovers, while the Fighting Maroons had just 16.  

Both teams led by 12 points at certain periods. 

UP got off to a 24-12 lead after the first quarter, though allowed Adamson to outscore them, 13-16 and 25-15 in the second and third quarters, respectively. 

UP guard Henry Asilum was brought to the hospital during halftime after dislocating his shoulder in the first half.

Scores 

Adamson (67): Trollano 21, Rios 11, Ochea 9, Monteclaro 7, Polican 5, Villlanueva 5, Inigo 4, Pedrosa 3, Barrera 2, Garcia 0, Nalos 0, Aquino 0, Baytan 0

UP (63): Dario 13, Lao 11, Gingerich 10, Reyes 9, Moralde 8, Gallarza 7, Juruena 3, Asilum 2, Vito 0, Harris 0 

Quarter Scores: 12-24, 25-30, 50-45, 67-63

– Rappler.com