SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines — Adamson University delivered National University jarring blows in the final minutes to emerge with a 68-66 victory in the 76th UAAP men’s basketball tournament on Saturday, July 20, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Swingman Jericho Cruz scored 16 of his 18 points in the second half while Rodney Brondial came up with huge blocks in the last 60 seconds as the Soaring Falcons mightily bounced back from a loss last week.
“We were upbeat for this game,” said coach Leo Austria. “We were so focused tonight and everybody wanted to win.”
Even with Cruz silent in the opening quarters, Adamson seized a 32-28 advantage at the half, with Roider Cabrera hitting baskets from all angles.
But the Bulldogs growled hard in the 3rd period, with Dennice Villamor and Ray Parks sparking an 8-0 run that handed NU the driver’s seat, 43-40.
Cruz, though, began gathering steam and after the wingman scored 6 points in the quarter, the Falcons tied the game at 48-all heading into the payoff period.
The back and forth continued in the final canto, as baskets from Parks, Jean Mbe and Jeff Javillonar kept the Bulldogs ahead, 61-57, with 6:12 to play.
Austria inserted sniper Don Trollano midway through the last period and the wingman delivered 7 points in short order as Adamson regained the upperhand.
Cruz continued to pummel NU with clutch baskets in the final moments as the Falcons built a 68-63 lead before fending off a last-ditch try by Parks and Robin Rono to seal the win.
Defensive gem
Adamson shut the Bulldogs down in a 6-minute stretch in the final quarter, with Brondial anchoring the Falcons’ stonewall defense and finishing with 6 blocks, including 3 in the endgame.
“I’m happy to see my big men work, especialy Brondial,” said Austria. “He may not be scoring, but he did a great job on defense.”
Cabrera added 12 points off the bench as the San Marcelino crew surged to solo 3rd with a 3-2 card.
Meanwhile, NU dropped to a tie for 4th at 3-3.
Mbe paced the Bulldogs with 17 points and 11 boards while Parks helped out with 15 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists. – Rappler.com
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