Adamson University secured their second win of the 82nd season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) at the expense of the University of the East Red Warriors with a final score of 91-80.
The first quarter was played at a frantic pace for both the Soaring Falcons and the Red Warriors, as not one team managed to get a hold of the lead with the non-stop action. Last year's ‘Mythical Five’ member, Jerrick Ahanmisi, managed to slow the game down in favor of the Falcons with a transition pull-up from deep.
However, the Warriors managed to take the lead by the end of first quarter, 19-21.
Come second quarter, not much has changed for both teams. The Falcons had to ride Ahanmisi's hot start as he hit back to back markers from beyond the arc. A mix of the starters and the bench players was a good enough combination for Head Coach Franz Pumaren as the Falcons started to pull ahead. Without looking back, Ahanmisi and second year point guard Jerom Lastimosa led the charge for the team.
Coming out of the dugout, the Falcons continued to play at an uptight pace. Multiple missed bunnies and outside bombs painted the color of the quarter. Fortunately for the Falcons, rookie bigman Lenda Douanga’s size and length was too much for the Warriors as he kept multiple possessions alive for his team.
Ahanmisi continued to spearhead the rally as his outside presence led to driving lanes for the two-guard. One of the numerous one and done players of this season Val Chauca finally got his rhythm back with a three pointer in the right corner, leading to a scoring surge from the point guard. The San Marcelino-based team managed to drag their lead straight to the final quarter.
During the entirety of the fourth quarter, Lastimosa dominated with a three-pointer followed by an and-one capped off a six to nothing run from the spit fire guard. His scoring wasn’t the only thing on display as he dished out multiple highlight-worthy passes to his perimeter players and the team’s inside threats.
In the end, the difference between the collective talents was too much for UE. Ahanmisi finished with 28 huge points and 4 assists, Lastimosa put up 16 points and six assists, while Douanga continued his dominance with 11 points and 16 rebounds.
The Soaring Falcons are set to face the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons next on Sunday, September 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
