MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Adamson Soaring Falcons earned their first win of the season at the expense of the University of Santo Tomas Growing Tigers, 88-81, on Saturday, September 16 at Smart-Araneta Coliseum. 

Adamson were coming off a 20-point loss against the Ateneo Blue Eagles due in part to the absence of their starting center Papi Sarr, who was out with a groin injury.

The Soaring Falcons took control of the game early, ending the first quarter up by 8 points, 24-16. Robbie Manalang led the Falcons, as he banked in 3 triples and a bucket to tally 11 points in the first half. 

The Growling Tigers attempted to cut the deficit with Marvin Lee making back-to-back triples and Steve Akomo slamming it home twice for the Growling Tigers. 

The third quarter was highlighted by a Tyrus Hill’s first one-handed dunk in the UAAP that saw him accidentally posterize Jeepy Faundo at the beginning of the quarter. The Growling Tigers rallied back to get within 3 points, but the Soaring Falcons got back on track with a 10-1 run.

TYRUS HILL is a bad man! #UAAPSeason80 pic.twitter.com/DpaM07emJZ

— ABS-CBN Sports (@abscbnsports) September 16, 2017

The Soaring Falcons continued to hold the lead heading into the final frame. Despite UST’s efforts to make the comeback in the last minute of the game, the Growling Tigers fell short.

The UST Growling Tigers committed a total of 41 turnovers, which is the second to the highest number of turnovers committed in the UAAP since August 21, 2003. It was the Far Eastern University Tamaraws who held this record, but they still managed to secure a 69-56 win in their game against the Bulldogs.

Manalang led the Falcons with 19 points and made 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. Lojera established 16 points within the arc and he shot 100% from the free throw line.

Faundo top-scored for the game with 21 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, 2 of which were offensive. Guards Lee and Jordan Sta. Ana scored 14 points apiece for the Growling Tigers.

This win improves the Soaring Falcons’ record to 1-1, while the Growling Tigers fall to a 0-2 record in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament.

The UST Growling Tigers will face off against the NU Bulldogs at 2pm and the Adamson Soaring Falcons will go against the DLSU Green Archers at 4PM on Wednesday, September 20 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Scores:

AdU (88) – Manalang 19, Lojera 16, Manganti 11, Sarr 10, Pingoy 9, Ahanmisi 8, Espeleta 5, Camacho 4, Hill 3, Bernardo 2, Ochea 1, Frias 0, Mustre 0, Zaldivar 0.

UST (81) – Faundo 21, Lee 14, Sta. Ana 14. Akomo 10, Arana 9, Basibas 7, De Guzman 2, Kwawukumey 2, Lorenzana 2, Garcia 0, Soriano 0, Caunan 0, Escalambre 0, Macasaet 0, Huang 0.

Quarter scores: 24-16, 45-39, 70-58, 88-81. – Rappler.com