Adamson clobbers listless NU, stays in twice-to-beat race

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Adamson University remained in the race for a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four after clobbering the listless National University, 77-53, in the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday, November 13 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Soaring Falcons improved to an 8-5 record and will end the elimination round on Wednesday in a battle against the Ateneo Blue Eagles (9-4) for the last twice-to-beat.

Big man Papi Sarr had his way in the paint to finish with 22 points on 9-of-13 field goals along with 15 rebounds. Jonathan Espeleta had 15 markers, 3 boards, and 4 assists, while Frederick Tungcab and Robbie Manalang had 9 and 8 points, respectively.

Adamson established a 35-19 lead at the half and never relinquished its comfortable edge, capitalizing on NU’s sloppy play to lead by as much as 30 points in the fourth quarter.

Jay Alejandro paced NU with 15 points on 9-of-14 free throws as he shot a miserable 3 for 16 from the field. He also had 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

Graduating center Alfred Aroga had 9 points on two-of-7 shooting plus 12 rebounds, two assists, and 3 blocks in his final UAAP game for the Bulldogs.

Matt Salem added 8 markers as the Bulldogs, who slumped through a 6-game skid in the middle of the tournament, settled for a 5-9 record to end Season 79.

Scores:

Adamson (77): Sarr 22, Espeleta 15, Tungcab 9, Manalang 8, Manganti 6, Ahanmisi 5, Paranada 5, Mustre 3, Camacho 2, Bernardo 2, Ochea 0, Pasturan 0, Ng 0, Chua 0.

NU (53): Alejandro 15, Aroga 9, Salem 8, Yu 6, Diputado R 5, Mosqueda 3, Morido 2, Salim 2, Rangel 2, Abatayo 1, Diputado C 0.

Quarter scores: 14-13, 35-19, 56-40, 77-53.

– Rappler.com