Adamson’s Matt Erolon and Joshua Yerro during a win over UE in UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Adamson ended a five-game losing streak after a 45-37 upset of No. 3 University of the East on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Matt Erolon and AJ Fransman joined hands to bring the Soaring Falcons back into the winning column for their first victory since September 25 when they nipped National University on a buzzer-beating basket by Joshua Yerro in the first round.
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Adamson won largely due to its defense, which shut down UE’s usual hitters like Wello Lingolingo, Rainier Maga and Ethan Galang. The three combined for just 15 points on 6-of-23 shooting from the field.
READ: UAAP: Reeling Adamson can still make Final Four, says Nash Racela
Matt Erolon on keeping their Final Four hopes alive. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/dOKPmSx6CS
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) October 30, 2024
“I think our defense was really was commendable. I was looking at the stats we were able to limit Lingolingo, Maga and Galang and then when I looked at their three-point numbers I was surprised they only made three. That’s something that we tried to take away so today we were successful,” Adamson coach Nash Racela said.
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Fransman had his best scoring game in the UAAP with 14 points on top of nine rebounds while Erolon also had 14.
“Kailangan namin tong game na to so sakin lang is kailangan ko ibigay yung best ko. Credit din sa mga teammates ko kasi sineset up nila ako. Di ko naman yun magagawa yung mga tira ko kung di dahil sa mga teammates ko, yung tiwala nila na binibigay nila sakin,” Erolon said.
“Thankful po ako na nanalo po kami today, mga coaches, mga teammates at yung mga Adamsonians. And ayun sa mga upcoming games pa, ang kukunin namin ay one game at a time as much as possible and sa practice palang talaga magsisimula yung preparation namin,” Fransman said.
Ced Manzano added a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds for Adamson, which picked up its fourth win in 11 games.
READ: UAAP: UP claims Final Four, beats Adamson
Fransman on catching fire in the second half. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/sczc5eAsyw
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) October 30, 2024
Fransman caught fire in the payoff period with two 3-pointers and a long two to spearhead a 10-0 Falcons run.
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Precious Momowei was the lone bright spot for the Red Warriors, posting 12 points and 17 rebounds.
Both teams shot below 30 percent from the field with UE making just 26 percent of their field goal attempts.
UE tries to bounce back on Sunday against Far Eastern University at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion while Adamson takes on NU on Nov. 10 at Araneta Coliseum after a long break.