Tiger Cubs’ third-quarter collapse guarantees Adamson’s first-seed placing
The Adamson Baby Falcons denied the Tiger Cubs their eight victory with a 12-point pounding, 78–66, before the final four in the UAAP Season 85 boys basketball tournament, Wednesday morning, at the Filoil EcoOil Center in San Juan.
The Tiger Cubs’ third-quarter breakdown attributed to Adamson’s win as the Baby Falcons controlled the boards alongside multiple second-chance points from Carlo Bonzalida.
The second half was scrappy for the Tiger Cubs as they doubled their turnovers from the first half and had 24 turnovers.
The University also lost the rebounding battle with 29 rebounds, compared to the Baby Falcons’ 40 total boards and 23 second-chance points.
Adamson gained momentum in the second half's opening as they limited UST to 14 points in the quarter while Bonzalida hustled for the 50–50 balls to give Adamson second chance opportunities.
The scoring exchange started during the first quarter, but turnovers slowed Adamson's pace while UST struggled to warm their offense up to end the salvo, 14-all.
The second quarter was the same story, with the Tiger Cubs getting a slight advantage due to their 8–0 run late in the period, gaining the lead as JP Pangilinan scored four of his seven points in the quarter in the low-scoring affair, 36–37.
Bonzalida took advantage of the Baby Falcon’s created second-chance points as most of his 26 points were utilized from turnovers and offensive rebounds.
Conversely, Tigers Cubs’ Pangilinan had a decent outing with 16 points, one assist, and 5 rebounds, with four baskets drained from beyond the arc.
The UST Tiger Cubs will again face off against the Baby Falcons to kickstart the final four tourney, with Adamson having a twice-to-beat advantage on Tuesday in the same venue.
The Scores:
UST- Pangilinan 16, Llemit 13, Bucsit 9, Jumao-as 8, Manding 8, Ayon 5, Esteban 4, Zanoria 3, Buenaflor 0, Naron 0, Tesocan 0.
ADU- Bonzalida 26, Rosillo 14, Medina 14, Garcia 10, Edding 5, Reyes 2, Abayon 2, Mepana 2, Perez 2, Carillo 1, Culdora 0.
Quarter Scores: 14–14, 37–36, 51–56, 66–78. — Anton Villegas
