Falcons snatch thrilling win over Bulldogs
Adamson has put its UAAP Season 76 men’s cage title campaign back on track.
With Jericho Cruz and unheralded Celodonio Trollano Jr. coming up big in the second half, the Falcons soared to a thrilling 68-66 victory over the National U Bulldogs Saturday to gain solo third in the eight-team field at the MOA Arena.
Virtually absent in the first half, the athletic Cruz pumped in 12 of his game-high 18 points in the third period then Trollano came off the bench and fired seven huge markers to help Adamson bounce back from a 59-71 defeat dealt by five-time reigning champion Ateneo last Sunday while improving to 3-2 overall.
Cameroonian import Sean Mbe (17 points and 11 boards) and reigning two-time league MVP Ray Parks (15 markers and 13 rebounds) dished out double-double performances but those proved not enough for the Bulldogs, who dropped their second straight defeat following a stinging 83-87 loss against unscathed Far Eastern U last Wednesday.
NU slipped to fourth at 3-3 alongside University of the East.
The Main Man: Knowing Adamson needs him at his best, Cruz showed he can rise to the challenge.
Held to just two points in the first half, the 6-foot wingman came out smoking in the third canto, racking up 12 points off three lay-ups and two booming triples.
Not yet done, Cruz also made a pair of clutch lay-ups as the Falcons enjoyed a 68-63 cushion going to the last 1:36.
Honorable Mention: Now on his third year, Trollano Jr. seems eager to show he has what it takes.
One of coach Leo Austria’s shock troopers, the 6-foot-3 forward provided the needed spark, stringing seven big points in the fourth where the Falcons notably took control, notably in the last four minutes.
Game Turning Point: In an up-and-down that saw both team tied at 48-all after three periods, the Bulldogs momentarily seized control courtesy of back-to-back triples from Jeoff Javillonar and Robin Rono for a 59-55 cushion.
Trollano and Mbe traded baskets but the Bulldogs stayed on top with a three-point lead before the Falcons uncorked eight unanswered points for a 68-63 cushion, time down to just 1:36.
Then Rodney Brondial, who only had four and eight rebounds, sparkled defensively for the Falcons, coming up with three of his game-high six blocks. Parks, however, completed a three-point play off Ryan Monteclaro, keeping NU alive.
In the ensuing play, Adamson forward Roider Cabrera, who was deliberately fouled by Javillonar, missed two freebies, leaving the door ajar for NU with 14.4 left.
With no timeout left, Alolino hurried the leather and found a wide-open Rono, who had a clear crack for a potential winning triple but failed to find the mark as the final buzzer sounded.
They Said It:
Adamson coach Leo Austria: “We’re fortunate we were able to pull off a win especially against NU which is also deserving to win. I think may swerte na rin kami ng unti. Thank God, Rono missed that shot. Today, everybody was focused and wanted to win. It’s a team effort because everybody contributed a lot.”
Jericho Cruz: “Alam ko game-plan ng NU na ma-stop ako. Ginawa ko lang ‘yung role ko. Shock pa rin ako sa nangyari.”
The scores:
Adamson (68) – Cruz 18, Cabrera 12, Trollano 7, Sewa 6, Petilos 5, Rios 4, Monteclaro 4, Brondial 4, Agustin 4, Julkipli 2, Inigo 2, Ochea 0, Abrigo 0.
NU (66) – Mbe 17, Parks 15, Javillonar 10, Rono 6, Perez 5, Villamor 4, Alolino 4, Javelona 3, Porter 2, Rosario 0, Khobuntin 0, Alejandro 0.
Quarterscores: 17-15, 32-28, 48-48, 68-66.
