Falcons extend Red Warriors drought

MANILA, Philippines -- Adamson overcame a cold third quarter to swoop down on the University of the East Red Warriors, 71-64, in their UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball clash Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

The Falcons scored just three points in the third quarter but recovered in time to send UE to its 26th straight defeat in the UAAP. 

Ray Allen Torres finished with 17 points, three rebounds and three assists for Adamson. Precious Jonah added 14 markers. 

Adamson was on a roll in the first half, exploding for 54 points in the first two quarters to take a 54-32 lead at the half. 

The San Marcelino-based squad, though, scored just three points in the third as UE inched to just eight, 49-57, heading to the fourth. 

But six straight points to start the fourth courtesy of Manu Anabo and Jonah pushed Adamson back to 14, 63-49, with 8:51 to go. 

This set the tone the rest of the way, as the Red Warriors’ seven-point deficit at the end of the game was the nearest they got to. 

“We weren’t really surprised with how UE played in the second half because I always remind my players that UE is also due for a win. They’ve been playing a lot better the last three games… So I’m really challenging our players to do a lot better,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela.

“I think we played really really soft in the third… Wala umatras na lang ako. I didn’t coach them in the fourth quarter. Alam naman nila ‘yung dapat gawin and they responded positively,” he added.

Another UE defeat would match the league’s second-longest losing streak of 27 games, set by the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons from Seasons 75 to 77. 

Meanwhile, the Soaring Falcons returned to the win column to improve to a 3-2 record.

Matty Erolon added 12 points, while Earl Medina and Monty Montebon had 11 and 10, respectively. 

Tope Lagat paced UE with 22 points.